Multiple play or instructional device

ABSTRACT

A dual play game has a separate input for each player. A film projector presents a question and answers and the players can select from a series of answers. A correct selection obtains a related score and actuates a drive relay to present the next question. An incorrect selection operates an indicator for that player. After a selected time, the projector presents a new question. A diode matrix board includes selectively interconnected lines connected to a double wafer stepping switch and to the game operating circuit to sequence each answer. One wafer controls the input matrix and the second wafer controls an output matrix. The stepping switch cycles through all positions for each question to provide the desired sequencing control.

United States Patent [1 1 Montgomery et a1.

[ MULTIPLE PLAY OR INSTRUCTIONAL DEVICE [73] Assignees: David J.Nutting; Phyllis M. Nutting,

both of Bayside, Wis.

[22] Filed: Nov. 19, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 91,094

1/1967 Nisbet 35/9 13 11/1970 Montgomery 35/9 A Primary Examiner--Wm.l-l. Grieb Attorney-Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall [57] ABSTRACT Adual play game .has a separate input for each player. A film projectorpresents a question and answers and the players can select from a seriesof answers. A correct selection obtains a related score and actuates adrive relay to present the next question. An incorrect selectionoperates an indicator for that player. After a selected time, theprojector presents a new question. A diode matrix board includesselectively interconnected lines connected to a double wafer steppingswitch and to the game operating circuit to sequence each answer. Onewafer controls the input matrix and the second wafer controls an outputmatrix. The stepping switch cycles through all positions for each question to provide the desired sequencing control.

32 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures fqi 32 MULTIPLE PLAY R INSTRUCTIONAL DEVICEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an instructionaldevice and particularly to such a device which submits stimulusinformation and related response information and permits selection of aproper response on a plurality of distinctly different response means topermit a plurality of different persons to simultaneously operate theinstructional device.

Mechanical teaching devices have been suggested wherein stimulusinformation is presented in a form of questions simultaneously with thepresentation of a plurality of answers or responses, one of which is aproper response or answer. The multiple choice type question and answerdevices have been developed not only for classroom and formalpresentation but also as gametype devices which can be employed inpublic amusement establishments. The latter will normally require someform of a coin operation or the like. A highly satisfactory teachingdevice is shown in applicant's copending application entitledInstructional Device", which issued as US. Pat. No. 3,54l,7()0 as ofNov. 24, I970 andwhich was assigned to a common assignee with thepresent application. In the system of that application, theinstructional device is established for a single person, student orplayer. For amusement purposes, it provides for a coin input whichautomatically permits the player to select any one of a plurality ofcategories. Having selected a category, a series of questionssimultaneously with possible different answers for each question arepresented in time spaced relationship. The student or player selects ananswer by depressing one of a plurality of related pushbutton unitswhich creates an output indicating whether a proper or improper answerhas been selected. If the first selection is proper, the device willrapidly program to the next question. If it is improper, however, theswitching system is interlocked various drives, relays and the like toprovide controlled input to the input matrix lines. The stepping switchincludes a movable contact means which sequentially scans the leads ofthe input matrix and the output matrix for each question and provides apredetermined sequencing with respect to time, scoring and the like. Thematrixing is preferably of the plug-in diode type board such as topermit a versatile and readily varied input and output arrangement. Thedual board control further permits convenient servicing of the system.

In accordance with a preferred and novel construction of the presentinvention, a control circuit includes two input banks, each of which issimilarly constructed with a plurality of input control switch means topermit the individual players to arbitrarily and individually select oneof a plurality of responses including one correct response. The inputswitch means include first contact means which are interconnected witheach other to conjointly control a selection means or individuallycontrol the several branches of a response selection means with aseparate branch being provided for each possible selection. The'firstplayer to select a proper answer actuates an associated correct responsecircuit means to record the proper selection and to simultaneously cutout the opposing players response circuitry. Separate incorrect responsecircuits are provided for each player such that an improper selectiondoes not, in any way, affect the control circuitry of the opposingplayer. However, an incorrect response is preferably interconnected intothe corresponding incorrect response circuitry to lock out that playersconto permit continued selection of. another answer. If the SUMMARY OFlNVENTlON The present invention is particularly directed to a multiplechoice teaching device wherein more than one student or player mayoperate the device in response to the same stimulus information andparticularly in a competitive manner. Generally, a correst response by afirst player disconnects the other player's response means andpreferably provides a rapid presentation to the next question.Simultaneously, the proper selection by the particular player may berecorded.' If an incorrect response is selected by a first player, thefirst player response means is operatively disconnected withoutinterfering with the opportunity for the other player or players toselect a proper answer.

In accordance with a further novel aspect of the present invention, theinstructional device is provided with a unique control circuit includinga sequencing control unit such as a stepping switch interconnectedthrough a switching matrix unit having unidirectional conducting meanssuch as solid state diodes to establish a presentation control sequence.Generally, the matrix unit includes an input diode matrix board tocontrol the sequencing in response to an initial input and an outputdiode matrix board which establishes the operation of trol circuit andmaintain it in an incorrect response condition until a new question ispresented.

The game sequence is controlled by a dual wafer stepping switch unithaving} 2 positions for each wafer.

position stepping switch. The output matrix, in turn,

controls the energizing of the drive means and the operating selectioncircuit. Thus, after the first step, the input circuit is locked in astandby position awaiting the response of the output matrix circuit. Inthe second position, the output matrix circuit applies a signal toadvance the questions and, in particular, to actuate a control circuitto energize the projector lamp and projector motor and simultaneously tostep the stepping switch unit. At the end of the stepping period, theprojector control relay automatically again actuates the input matrixcircuitry to provide a further stepping of the stepping switch which, ina particular construction, is provided with automatic stepping positionsto provide stepping to a sixth position in which time the projector lampis illuminated to project the desired question and a timer is insertedinto the circuit through the output matrix. The operating relay in thisposition is selected to turn on not only the projector lamp but toenergize the player selection circuitry which may be indicated throughthe illumination of an appropriate lamp means. When either of theoperators select a proper response, the player related recording andscoring circuitry is activated through the output matrix, the opposingplayer's opportunity to establish a proper response is automatically cutout, and simultaneously the stepping input matrix is activated to drivethe stepping switch unit to the next position. The input matrixautomatically steps to the next two positions to establish the scoringand indication of the correct score, and then automatically through thefinal position to condition the circuit for recycling with the projectorand the selection circuits reset. The apparatus then presents the nextquestion and re-establishes the sequence for the second question.

If an improper selection has been made by one player, that player cannotnow obtain a correct response until the opponent has had an opportunityand makes a selection. If the other player also selects a wrong answer,the score is reduced and both players are given a second turn to obtaina reduced score response. A timer is energized simultaneously with theinitiation of the answer period and automatically times out after apredetermined selected time. Thus, if the players do not complete theirattempts within the preset time, the circuit automatically drives thestepping switch unit back to the number one position through the inputdiode matrix, thereby re-establishing and presenting the next question.That question is, therefore, lost and neither player can score and thegame proceeds to the next question. With the presentation of the finalquestion, a cutoff means is energized and conditions the circuit suchthat at the final position of the stepping switch, the interlockingcircuit to the stepping switch unit is broken and the unit steps backand maintains itself in the first position. The apparatus must then bereset through the main control as the input of another coin.

The present invention thus provides a highly improved sequencing controlsystem through the use of the input-output matrix circuits and,furthermore, construction of a dual-play control circuitry which permitscompetition between a plurality of players.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of amultiple choice question and answer device presentation means; FIG. 2 isa schematic circuit diagram of a portion of the control circuitconstructed in accordance with the present invention for carrying outthe presentation of questions and answers in a programmed sequence fordual player response and selection; and

FIG. 3 is a continuation of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawing andparticularly to FIG. 1, the present invention is illustrated inconnection with a multiple choice question and answer game which may beplayed by two players. The illustrated game device includes a fronthousing or panel 1 behind which the control and drive components such asshown in FIG. 2 are housed. Generally, the presentation panel 1 includesa centrally located viewing opening 2 past which film strip 3 is steppedin a predetermined sequence. At each step, the film strip presentsstimulus information and a plurality of bits of associated responseinformation. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a question 4 is presented in thetop of the viewing opening 2. Five possible answers 5 are listed on thefilm immediately below the question. The initial presentation or driveof the film strip in the presentation of a question 4 and the associatedanswers 5 may be selectively controlled through a suitable main on-offdevice and in connection with a game device, will normally be responsiveto a coin input or receiver 6. Thus, the apparatus is adapted to respondto a given amount of money and may be responsive to one or more selectedcoins which are operative to establish a power connection to the devicewith an automatic operation of the drive of the film strip 3 for thepresentation of a series of questions 4 and related answers 5 in apredetermined programmed sequence. As more fully disclosed in applicantscopending application, a category selection means 7 is desirablyprovided such that the players can select any one of several differentareas of information such as general knowledge, sports, movies or thelike. The players would have to agree on which particular category theydesired to compete in. They would then actuate the associated categoryselection means 7 to determine the category in which the game ormaterial is to be presented. Insertion of the coins into receiver 6 willautomatically actuate the film drive as subsequently described andposition the film strip 3 with respect to the viewing opening 2 topresent the first ofa given number of questions and simultaneouslypresent the possible answers. The players can select any one of the fivepossible answers through separate and player-related answer selectionswitch banks 8 and 9, one for each of the players. Each of the switchbanks 8 and 9 is similarly constructed and bank 8 includes fivepushbutton switch units 10, one for each of the possible answers andbank 9 similarly includes five units 11. The pushbutton switch units 10and 11 of each of the answer selection banks 8 and 9 are multiplecontact units, as shown in FIG. 2, and establish an interrelated controlto provide an indication of a proper selection and/or an improperselection and, furthermore, to indicate which of the players hasproperly selected or improperly selected the responses. A main startswitch unit 12 is provided to allow initiation of the presentation ofthe first question and answer. A score display 13 indicates the possiblescore and individual score units 14 and 15 for each player accumulatesthe respective scores obtained. In operation, the first question andpossible answers are presented and the players select a desired answer.If a correct answer is selected by the one player, the deviceautomatically records the score on the player-related visual displayunit 14 such as an automatic number scorer. This also immediatelytriggers the device to present the next questions and answers. If animproper selection is made, the device automatically locks out thatplayer's selection control unit without interrupting the oppositeplayer's selection unit. The latter player may then make a selection andif it is proper, it will be displayed on his interrelated visual displayunit 14. If both players, within an allotted time, select an improperanswer, the circuit will reset and allow each player to make a secondselection at a reduced score, indicated on unit l3. If they do notcomplete their selections within the allotted time for that question,the device will automatically sequence to the second question andanswer. The apparatus will continue the above cycle until all 'of thequestions have been presented in a corresponding manner. For example,the program may include eight separate questions. At the end of thattime, the apparatus will reset to stand by and require receipt of afurther coin in the receiver 6 in order to again operate the apparatus.

A preferred construction for interconnecting the several switch banks 8and 9 into a control apparatus is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 2, therelated answer control circuitry and a pair of the switch units 10 and11 is shown in each of the banks'8 and 9 for simplicity and clarity ofexplanation. The three additional switch units to provide for fiveselections would be similarly added into the circuit and as such furtherillustration is not necessary to a full, complete understanding of thepresent invention, the additional switch banks are not shown. Further,although five possible selections are shown in FIG. 1, the particularnumber selected is not, in any way, limiting on the subject of thepresent invention and any numberof selections less than or greater thanfive may be provided.

The preferred circuit of FIGS. 2 and 3 is an acrossthe-line type circuitdiagram with the power line drawn vertically and the interconnectinglines drawn horizontally. Further, each of the horizontal lines isprovided with a line number beginning with line L-l and proceedingthrough line L-60 for purposes of referencing the description. Further,the relays of the circuit are given a sequenced number and the relatedcontacts are identified by that number and a subnumber without showingthe actual interconnection between the contacts. The description,however, specifically interrelates the relays and contacts by theacross-the-line reference numbers.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the circuit can be generally dividedinto a plurality of branch circuits including an input and power drivecircuit 16 including 1 lines L-l through L-l0 inclusive, a playerscoring section 17 including lines L-ll through L-l6, inclusive, ananswer selection and response circuit 18 including lines L-39 throughL-47, inclusive, and an interlocking wrong answer selection circuit 19including lines 19-28 through L-38, inclusive. A continuation of thecircuit of FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3 and includes a stepping switch andmatrix control section including an input diode matrix circuit 20including lines L-l8 through I .-27, and an output diode matrix circuit21 including lines L-48 through L-60, inclusive.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the input and power drive section orcircuit 16 generally includes a pair of alternating current input lines23 which may be connected through a suitable plug unit or the like, notshown, to the conventional wall power supply. The connection preferablyis of the usual three-wire system having a ground wire to provide theusual safety precautions. The film projector associated with film 3 isan alternating current driven unit employing a projecting lamp 24 inline L-l and a paralleled film drive motor 25 in line L-2 andselectively connected directly to the power lines 23 through suitablecontrol contacts as hereinafter described. In addition, the apparatuswill normally be provided with suitable internal lamps for illuminatingthe front panel 1 or the like. As such devices are standard components,and may or may not be employed, they have not been shown for simplicityof illustration.

The control circuitry is generally otherwise powered from a low-voltagedirect current power supply derived from the lines 23. A transformer 26is shown having a 7 primary 27 connected at line L-3 directly to theincoming power lines 23. The secondary 28 of the transformer 26 isconnected at line L-4 to provide a reduced low voltage output to a fullwave diode bridge rectifier 29, shown at line L-6. The output of therectifier 29 provides a full wave, low-voltage direct current, forexample, of the order of 14 volts. The output of rectifier 29 appearsacross a positive direct current control power line 30 and a relatednegative direct current line 31.

The input section 16 further includes a main start relay 32 in line L-7,one side of which is connected directly to the positive power line 30.The opposite side of the relay 32 is connected to the negative powerline 31 in series with a blocking diode 33, a normally-open switch 34 ofthe coin receiver 6 and a set of normallyclosed contacts 35-1 of a gamestart relay 35 at line L-16. Upon insertion of the proper coin, such asa quarter, the switch 34 will close thereby completing the circuit toenergize the start relay 32. The relay 32 first closes a set ofnormally-open latching contacts 32-1 in line 13-8. Contacts 32-1directly bypass the coin switch 34 and the diode 33 to maintain therelay 32 energized until such time as the contacts 35-1 open.

A coin release solenoid 35a is connected in circuit directly through thenormally-closed contacts 35-1 at line L-9 and is energized with thecontacts 35-1 are closed. When the contacts 35-1 open, they willsimultaneously reset the counter circuit and actuate the coin-releasesolenoid 35a removes the coin from the switch unit 34 and resets theinput circuit. A coin counter, not shown, may be connected in parallelcircuit with relay 32 to record the total receipt of money.

The relay 32 reset also actuates section 17 to the visual display scoreunits 14 and 15 if they are not at zero, as follows. The scoring section17 of the control circuit includes a first stepping coil 36 in line L-l4controlling the visual display 14 and a second similar stepping switchcoil 37 at line L-15 controlling the visual display unit 15. Each of thescore display drives is similarly constructed and connected into thecircuit and consequently the stepping switch coil 36 and associatedcontacts and hardware are described in detail with the correspondingelements for the relay 37 identified by corresponding primed numbers.

The coil 36 includes a set of self-stepping normally closed contacts36-1 connected in series with the coil 36 at line 11-14. The steppingswitch relay 36 is coupled to drive a pair of elongated contacts 38 and39. The

contacts, for example, may be an endless drum or band which is rotatedthrough a suitable ratchet-type drive controlled by the energization anddeenergizat'ion of the coil 36. The contact 38 includes a notch oroffset portion 40 in one edge thereby defining a nonconductive portion.A first sliding contact 41 slidably engages the contact 38 adjacent thecontinuous uninterrupted edge portion and thus maintains continuouselectrical contact for all positions of the contact 38. The slidingcontact 41 is connected to the stepping switch contacts 36-1. A secondsliding contact 42 is aligned with the opposite half of the contact 38and thus in alignment with the portion of the contact 38 including thenotch 40. In the home position, contact 42 is aligned with the notch 40to thereby break the circuit between the contacts-41 and 42. Contact 42is connected in series with a set of normally-open contacts 32-2 of thestart relay to the negative power line 31 at line L-12. Thus, if thedisplay unit 14 is not at the home or zero position, contact 42 will bein engagement with the conductive portion of the contact 38 therebycompleting the circuit to the coil 36. Upon closure of the contacts32-2, the coil 36 will be energized and through the opening of contacts36-1 establish the usual self-stepping operation to continuously drivethe conductive strip or contact 38 until such time as the steppingswitch is returned to the zero or home position. To insure accuratestepping, a capacitor, not shown, may be connected in parallel with thestepping switch coils of the several units employed to maintain the coilenergized and insure complete opening of the associated contacts 36-1for a momentary period upon the initial opening thereof. At thatposition, of course, the contact moves into the notch 40 breaking thecircuit to the stepping coil 36.

The relay stepping coil 37 is similarly connected at line L- to drivethe associated contact 38 through a set of contacts 32-3 of relay 32.

The stepping switch for the unit 14 further includes the secondconductive strip or contact 39 driven in synchronism with the contact38. The contact 39 includes a pair of sliding contacts 43 and 44interconnected to control the energization of the game relay 35. Therelay 35 has one side connected directly to the positive line 30. Theopposite side is connected to the contact 44. The contact 44 isconnected to the contact 44' of the second player coil stepping unit.The contact 43, in turn, is connected to the negative supply line 31through a set of contacts 32-4 of the start relay 32. The contact strips39 and 39' are identically formed with an endless portion engaging thecontacts 43 and 43, respectively. They, furthermore, include a slightlateral projection 45 at one stepping position which projection 45 isaligned with the contact or terminal 44. Thus, with the contacts 39 and39' in one position relative to the contacts 44 and 44', the circuit tothe relay 35 is completed upon the closure of the start contacts 32-4.This corresponds to the home position of the score display units 14 and15.

Upon the depositing of the proper amount of money into the receiver 6,the start relay 32 at line L-7 is energized to lock itself into circuitthrough the game start relay 35. This circuit is maintained until thegame relay 35 is energized. in turn, the game relay 35 can only beenergized when both of the display units 14 and 15 have been zeroed orreturned to the home position. When this occurs, the relay 35 isenergized through the circuit just described, including the contactstrips 39 and 39' and the start relay contacts 32-4 at line L-16. Thisresults in the opening of the contacts 35-1 in line L-7 and theresetting of the start circuit.

The energization of the relay 35 simultaneously with the opening of thestart relay circuitry closes a set of normally-open contacts 35-2 in abranch line 46 connected to the negative side of the relay 35. The line46 extends to and is connected to the output matrix section 21 of thecircuit as shown in FIG. 3 and, in particular, is connected in common tothe cross lines L-52 and L-53 of FIG. 3 to provide for a controlled,continuous energization of the relay 35 during the programming andsequential operation of the control circuit for presentation of acomplete program. Thus, the line 46 is connected to line L-53 of theoutput diode matrix and, in turn, is interconnected to a programmingstepping switch unit 47 shown at lines L-26 and L-27 of FIG. 3 forcycling the sequential presentation of the several questions and theresponses.

The stepping switch unit 47 is diagrammatically illustrated including astepping coil 48 connected in circuit at line L-27 in series with a setof self-stepping contacts 48-1 and a manual control switch 49 forselectively connecting the stepping coil 48 to the DC line 30 and 31.The manual switch 49 is a single-pole multiple position switch unithaving an ofi' contact 50 to open and prevent operation of the steppingcircuit, a manual step contact 51 which directly connects the coil 48 tothe power lines and thus will maintain continuous recycling and steppingof the unit and an automatic contact 52 which selectively connects thestepping coil 48 into circuit through the input stepping switch matrixsection 20.

The stepping switch unit 47 further includes a pair of elongatedcontacts 53 and 54 which may be endless bands, wafers or the like.Contacts 53 and 54 are associated respectively with the stepping inputmatrix section 20 and the output matrix section 21. Each of the contacts53 and 54 is similarly constructed with a continuous portion and anoffset portion at one position, numbered 55 and 56, respectively. Theoffset portions 55 and 56 are aligned with and selectively engage one of12 contacts associated with the corresponding matrix. The 12 contactsare interconnected to 12 corresponding leads of the respective matrices.For purposes of explanation, the contacts or leads associated with thestepping input matrix section 20 are numbered 57 through 68, inclusive,and the corresponding leads of the output matrix section 21 are numbered69 through 80, inclusive.

The stepping switch unit 47 may be the usual electromechanical-type unithaving the relay coil 48 which, when energized, cocks a mechanicalpawl-driving stepping system coupled to step the associated contacts 53and 54 one position upon opening of the contacts 48-1 andde-energization of the associated coil 48. Thus, each step requiresenergization and de-energization of the stepping coil 48. Thede-energization is automatically established through thenormally-closed, seriesconnected contact 48-1 which, of course, openupon the energization of the coil.

The contact strip 53 is connected directly to the automatic contact 52and thus interconnects the stepping coil 48 into the circuit through theinput matrix. The contact strip 54 associated with the output matrixsection 21 is connected directly to the negative power line 31 via theline L-26.

The stepping switch unit 47 is shown in the initial or home positionwith the contact 55 engaging the first contact line 57 of the inputmatrix section 20 and the contact 56 engaging the first contact line 69of the output matrix section.

The line 57 is interconnected by a diode 81 to the cross line L-l8 andin series with a set of normallyopen contacts 35-3 of relay 35 to thepower line 31. When the contacts 35-3 close, current flows through thestepping coil 48, the normally-closed contacts 9 48-1, the automaticcontact 52 of the control switch 49, the contact strip 53, contact 55,line 57, diode 81 and the now closed contacts 35-3 to line 31.

In the initial starting position, a diode 82 interconnects the contactand associated line 69 of matrix 20 to the cross line L-53 which, inturn, is interconnected to the line 46 for providing power to theprojector advance relay 35 at line L-16 in FIG. 2. In the initialstarting position, the power is supplied to energize the relay 35 uponthe energization of the start relay 32, as previously described. Therelay 35 is then latched into circuit through the contacts 35-2 and theoutput diode matrix section 21. This latter circuit is furthermoremaintained through each of the several stepping positions bycorresponding diodes interconnecting the several other lines 71 through79 to the line L-53 and, therefore, to line 46. The final step line 80of the output matrix is connected, as hereinafter described, toterminate'the cycle.

In stepping to the second position, the contact 55 engages the contactof line 58 of the stepping input matrix 20. This breaks the circuit tothe cross reference line L-18 and terminates stepping of the coil 48.The coil 48, however, is now interconnected through the line 58, a diode83, to the reference line L-19 which includes a set of normally-opencontacts 84-1 of a projector advance relay 84 connected into the circuitat lines L- and L-ll. The relay 84 is also connected into circuit via abranch line 84a to reference line L-48 of the output matrix section 21.The line L-48 is connected by a diode 85 to the second position line andcontact 70 of the output matrix and thereby to the negative power line31. Thus, when the output matrix is stepped to the second position, aspreviously described, power is now supplied to energize the projectoradvance relay 84.

The relay 84 closes a set of contacts 84-2 in line L-2 therebyconnecting the projector motor to the AC power lines 23. The relay 84further closes a set of contacts 84-3 in line L-ll to maintain itselfthrough a .wafer or strip contact and sliding contacts assembly 86 whichprovides direct connection between the contacts 84-3 and the relay 84.The contact assembly 86 includes a series of equispaced notched portions87 breaking the connection. In the initial starting position,

the projector advance motor 25 stops with the assembly 86 in alignmentwith a notch portion 87 and thus breaks the circuit to the projectoradvance relay 84. The relay 84 is initially energized through the outputmatrix section 21 via lines L-48 and diode 85 such that the motor 25starts. Relay 84 is maintained through the assembly 86 to maintain motoroperation until the next notch portion 84. This then breaks thisparticular holding circuit and de-energizes the relay 84. Contacts 84-2open and the projector motor 25 stops to present the next frame.

As previously noted, the projector relay 84 also closes the contacts84-1 iri line L-19 and provides power through the diode 83 to actuatethe stepping switch unit 47. This steps the input and the output matrixsections 20 and 21. The output matrix section 21 breaks the projectormotor relay start at line 11-48 and establishes the interconnectionbetween the switch contact 56 and the output contact 54 with line 71 ofthe output matrix. In this position, power is supplied through therelated diode 82 to maintain the game relay 35 energized. It, however,removes power from ill) the line L-48 as there is no diode correspondingto diode in the third position. Thus, the relay 84 is now only energizedthrough the control contact assembly 86 and assures one full step.

The relay 84 includes a fourth set of contacts 84-4 in reference lineL-20 to selectively provide power to a portion of the input matrixsection 20. In particular, line L-20 is connected by a diode 88 to thethird position line 59 and related contact of the input matrix. Thecontacts 84-4 are normally closed. Thus, when the relay 84 de-energizesafter advancing of the projector film one step, the reclosing of thecontacts 84-4 completes the stepping circuit through the line andcontact 59 to again immediately step the main stepping coil unit 47,thus moving the circuit to the fourth matrix position in both sections20 and 21. The fourth and fifth position lines 60 and 61, respectively,however, are connected by corresponding diodes 89 directly to the crossreference line L-25 which, in turn, is connected directly to thenegative power line 31. Thus, the stepping switch unit 47 is directlystepped through positions 4 and 5 and to position 6, which is theposition for presenting the first question. In the sixth position, aplurality of output circuits are established through the output matrixsection 21.

In the sixth position, a diode 90 interconnects the cross reference lineL-49 to the matrix contact line 74 and associated contact to provide anegative power connection via the contact portion of contacts 54-56 andcross reference line 26, at the reference line L-49. This line includesa projector lamp relay 91 in parallel with a question period timingrelay 92. The paralleled relays 91 and 92 are connected to the positivepower line 30 through a set of normally-closed contacts 84-5 of theprojector advance relay 84. Thus, while the projector is advancing, thecircuit to the lamp and the timing device are positively maintainedopen. When the projector is stopped, the circuit is conditioned topermit projection for a predetermined time period.

Thus, the projector lamp relay 91 closes a set of normally-open contacts91-2 in cross line L-l thereby completing the energizing circuit byconnecting the projector lamp 24 directly across the alternating currentinput power line 23. As a result, the questions and answers on the filmframe are projected and visually displayed to both players.

The relay 91 includes a further set of normally-open contacts 91-3 inthe cross line L-l7 which interconnects the negative line 31 in the twoparts' of the circuit and, particularly, provides a negative power tothe continuation of line 31 connected to the circuit sections 18 and 19in FIG. 2. This energizes the pushbutton units 8 and 9 as well as theinterrelated answer selection control circuitry, relays and components.Referring particularly to FIG. 2, a pair of paralleled lamps 93 areconnected to the power lines at cross line L-31 fo the first player anda pair of similar select answer lamps 94 are similarly connected at lineL-38 for the second player to inform the players that they can select ananswer. As previously noted, the answer selection circuit in FIG. 2 isshown only for a pair of selection rather than for the five possibleselections for the purposes of simplicity in explanation. Normally, aseparate lamp will be associated with each response and, consequently, apair of lamps are shown in FIG. 2 for each player. The circuit forinterconnecting and turning off the lamps is described hereinafter inconnection with the sequence of a wrong or improper answer by either oneof the players.

the interconnection for two of the answer selection pushbutton units forplayer 1 and a corresponding pair of pushbutton answer selection unit 11for player 2 are shown interconnected into the circuit to provide aninterrelated and conjoint control of the continued operation of thecircuit and scoring thereof. As the present invention provides aparalleled controlled circuitry with suitable interconnection to commoncontrols and controls of the other party, the switch unit 10 for thefirst player will be described in detail with the corresponding elementsof the other players elements identified by a corresponding but primednumber and with the necessary description to show the interrelationshipbetween the two sections.

The pushbutton units 10 are each multiple-pole and multiple-throw units,one bank of which is connected in section 18 and further banks of whichare connected in section 19 as hereinafter described. One section ofeach switch unit 10 includes a common pole 95 biased into engagementwith an interconnecting button contact 96 and selectively engaging aresponse contact 97 in response to actuation or depression of the unitby the player. The contact arm 95 of the first pushbutton unit 10 isconnected to the input circuit ofa switching transistor 98 which, inturn, is connected to control the response or energization of a correctanswer relay 99 for the number one player. The contact 96 of the firstswitch unit is connected to the contact arm 95 of the second switch unit10 and so forth to the final answer where the contact 96 is a deadcontact. The alternate contact 97 of the switch unit 10 isinterconnected to control an answer select transistor 100 theconductivity of which is controlled by a coded portion of the film strip3, as presently described. This circuit is basically similar to thatshown in applicant's copending application and thus is only brieflydescribed herein. Thus, the transistor 100 has its input circuitinterconnected to a power supply through a voltage-dividing network in-Referring particularly to answer selection section 18,

cluding a resistor 101 connected to a zero voltage line V 102 connectedto the center tap of the secondary transformer 26 at line L-4 in FIG. 2.A photocell unit 103 in series with a current-limiting resistor 104 anda diode 105 at line L-40 is connected to the negative line 31 via theprojector lamp relay contacts 91-3. A lamp 106 is associated with thephotocell 103. The film strip normally blanks the light from the unit103 thereby maintaining minimal conduction. If the answer for a givenquestion is properly the first switch unit 10, a small aperture willpermit illumination of the corresponding photocell 103, therebyproviding an input or turn-on bias signal to the base of the transistor100. This then connects the relatively zero reference voltage to theassociated contacts 97 and 97' of the switch units 10 and 11 for players1 and 2. This provides a corresponding transfer of a turn-on signal tothe associated transistor 98' at line L- as follows.

Once again, referring to the first players circuit for purposes ofdescription, a pair of series connected voltage-dividing resistors 107interconnect the contact arm 95 to the diode 105 and thus to thenegative line 31. The junction of the voltage-dividing resistors 107 isconnected to the base of the transistor 98, the emitter of which isconnected directly to the diode connecting line and thereby to thenegative line 31 of the power supply. Thus, when the player moves thecontact arm into engagement with contact 97, the bias network orresistors 107 are connected directly between the negative line 31 andthe relatively zero reference line 102 less any slight voltage dropassociated with the collector-emitter circuit of the selectiontransistor 100. This results in driving of the base of transistor 98positive relative to the emitter. The transistor 98 is shown as an NPNtransistor and consequently will turn on. This, in turn, completes thecircuit for the relay 99 as follows.

One side of the relay 99 is connected at line L-46 to the positive powerline 30 through a set of normallyclosed contacts 99'-1 of the secondplayer correct answer relay 99' shown at line L-47. This insures thatthe second player has not first selected a correct answer and that, infact, player one should still be given the op portunity to so select.The opposite side of the relay 99 is connected in series with a set ofnormally-closed contacts 108-1 of the first player incorrect or wronganswer relay 108 shown interconnected into the circuit at line L-28. Aslong as player one has not selected an incorrect answer, the contacts108-1 will be closed and permit application of power to relay 99. Theemitterto-collector circuit of the transistor 98 at line L-45 isconnected to the contacts 108-1 and to the power line 31 via the diodeat line L-40. Thus, when the transistor 98 is biased on as previouslydescribed, a complete energizing circuit is established for the relay 99and the relay is energized. The relay 99 actuates a set of contacts 99-1at line L-47 to break the circuit to the second players correct responserelay 99' and prevent energization thereof.

The relay 99 further immediately closes a set of latching contacts 99-2at line L-46 which directly latches the relay 99 to the negative line 31via the contacts 91-3. Thus, the correct player relay 99, once energizedvia the transistor 98, is latched into the energized positionindependent of such transistor as long as the projector lamp relay 91 atline L-49 is energized.

' The relay 99 controls a third set of contacts 99-3 in cross line L-28.The contacts 99-3 are normally closed and provide power into the wronganswer control section for the player one. Thus, if a proper answer isselected, the wrong answer selection section is opened to preventenergization of this portion of the circuit.

The relay 99 controls a fourth set of contacts 99-4 connected in thecross line L-50 of P10. 3. The line L-50 is connected by a lead 109 tothe one side of the first player-related score stepping coil 36 in lineL-14 of the scoring section 17 for actuating the visual display unit 14for the first player upon closure of contacts 99-4. Thus, the crossreference line L-50 is connected by a diode 110 to the sixth positionline of the output matrix and thus, in the sixth position of thestepping switch unit 47 interconnects the contacts 99-4 through thecontact 54 to the cross line L-26 and thus to the negative side of thepower supply. Thus, upon closure of the normally open contacts 99-4, anenergizing circuit is established for the coil 36 at line L-l4. Theenergization of the coil 36 results in a conditioning of theinterconnecting mechanism to step the contacts 38 and 39 one step. Thiscannot occur, however, until the coil 36 is de-energized.

De-energization results through the actuation of the main programstepping switch unit 47 and, in particular, through a fifth set ofnormally-open contacts 99-5 of relay 99 which interconnect the inputmatrix section 20 at line L-22 to the negative power line 31. A diode111 interconnects the line L-22 to the sixth position line 62 of theinput matrix and thus through the contact 52 interconnects negativepower to the one side of the stepping coil 48. When the correct answerrelay contacts 99-5 close, the program stepping switch unit 47 steps tothe seventh position. In the seventh position, the output matrix lineL-50 is disconnected from the associated seventh position line 75. Thisbreaks thecircuit via line 109 to the player score relay 36 which isthen de-energized and adds to the score of the first player on thevisual display unit 14.

in the seventh position of the output matrix, a diode 112 interconnectsthe seventh position line 75 to the cross line L-58 to provide power toone side of a correct answer bell 113 or the like. The opposite side ofthe bell 113 is connected in the circuit through a set of normally-opencontacts 99-6 of the correct answer relay 99. The relay 99 is stillenergized during this stepping motion as a result of the latchingcontacts 99-2 at line L-46.

The seventh position of the input matrix provides automatic stepping tothe eighth position. Thus, a diode 114 interconnects the seventhposition line 63 directly to the cross line L-25 and thus completes acircuit with the contact 53 in the seventh position to energize thestepping relay coil 48 to step to the eighth position.

In the eighth position of the input matrix, a further direct stepping toposition 9 is established through a diode 115 which interconnects theeighth position line 64 to the cross line L-22. The relay 99 is stillenergized and, consequently, contacts 995 in line L-22 are closed. Thisthus provides subsequent energization of the coil 48 and stepping of thestepping switch 47 to the ninth position.

In the eighth position, the first playerss scoring relay coil 36 isagain energized through the output matrix. Thus, a diode l 16interconnects the eighth position line 76 to the cross line 50 andthereby provides energization to line 109 via the now-closed contacts994.

Thus, the coil 36 is energized in position 8 and again de-energizedinthe ninth position whereby thescore stepper adds a further score to thevisual display unit 14 of the first player. 7

In the ninth position, a diode 117 interconnects the ninth position line77 to the cross line L-58 to again energize the correct answer bell 113.

in the ninth position of the input stepping matrix, a diode 118 connectsthe ninth position matrix line and contact 65 directly to the cross lineL-25 to provide for a further stepping of the stepping switch unit 47and thereby establishing the tenth position. This, of course,de-energizes the correct answer bell 113 in line L-58 as the tenthposition line 78 of the output matrix is not interconnected to the lineL-58.

The unit 47 automatically steps to the eleventh position as a result ofa diode 119 interconnecting line L-22 to the tenth position line 66of'the stepping relay input matrix. In this position, relay contact 99-5are still closed and, consequently, provides for the automatic steppingto position 11. This records the maximum score for the player 1 withrespect to the first answer.

In the 11th position of the stepping switch unit 47, the output matrixsection 21 provides for suitable signaling of the correct answer to bothplayers by illuminating of the correct answer button units 10 and 11 andsimultaneously thereby indicating that the next question is about to bepresented, as follows. A diode 120 of the output matrix interconnectsthe vertical matrix line and contact 79 to the cross line L-59 which isinterconnected via a lead 121 to the answer selection circuitry at crossline L-42. A pair of correct answer lights 122 are connected in seriesbetween line 121 and the output circuit of the transistor with anisolating diode 123 therebetween.

Simultaneously, a pair of go lights 124 at cross line L-60 areenergized. The line L-60 is connected by a diode 125 to the eleventhposition matrix line and contact 79 of the output matrix section 20 suchthat in the eleventh position, the go lights 124 are directly energized.This indicates to the players that the go" button unit 12 should beactuated to provide for the presentation of the next question.

A diode 126 interconnects the eleventh position line 67 of the inputmatrix section 20 to the cross line L-23 which, in turn, includes the gopushbutton switch 127 of unit 12.

Actuation or closure of switch 127 thus actuates the stepping switchunit 47 to the twelfth position from which it automatically returns tothe initial starting position through the connection of a diode 128 atline L-25. Diode 128 directly connects the twelfth position line 68 ofthe input matrix to the line L-25 and provides for automatic stepping tothe first position.

Referring to the output matrix section 21, stepping to the firstposition results in opening of the circuit at line L-49 therebyresetting the projector lamp relay 91 and the timing relay 92.

The de-energization of the projector lamp relay 91 not only results inthe opening of the circuit to the projector lamp 24 at line L-1 but alsoopens the contacts 91-3 at line L-17, thereby removing power from andresetting the correct answer circuit 18 of the apparatus and, inparticular, breaking of the latching circuit through the contacts 99-2and relay 99 at line L-46.

' The apparatus is now in a condition to recycle, providing acorresponding sequence forthe second question.

If the second player had been the first to push the related correctanswer pushbutton unit 11, a similar sequence to that just describedwould have been created through the energization of the switchingtransistor 98' at line L-45 and the energization of a correspondingrelay 99 at line L-47. The relay 99 open the contacts 99'-1 tode-energize the first players relay 99 and simultaneously close relatedcontacts 99'-2 at line L-47 to latch the relay 99' into circuit.Contacts 99'-3 at line L-33 open to de-energize the second playersincorrect answer's circuitry. Contacts 99-4 at line L-Sl close andinterconnect the cross line L-41 into the output diode matrix in thesame manner as line L-SO. Line L-Sl, in turn, is connected via the lead129 to actuate the second players score coil 37 at line L-lS in the samemanner as the coil 36 of the first player was energized through theclosure of contacts 99-4 at line L-50, and, in particular, through thematrixing diodes and 116' which interconnect cross line L-Sl to thematrix lines 74 and 76 respectively. The corresponding stepping actionis established by contacts 99'-5 which are connected at line L-22 inparallel with the first player's relay contacts 99-5. The correct answerbell 113 at line L58 is correspondingly energized through a set ofcontacts 99'-6 which are connected in parallel with the first playerscontacts 99-6.

If either player should select a wrong answer, the wrong answer section19 of the circuit is energized. Further, the energization is in such amanner that the player selecting the wrong answer cannot obtain afurther selection until such time as the other player has made aselection. If both players, in sequence, select the wrong answer, thescore is automatically reduced after which both players have anotherturn to obtain the lower score in a corresponding sequential interlock.If neither should score, however, within that time, a zero display isestablished followed by elimination of the correct answer recycling tothe next question. This sequence is described as follows by reference toFIG. 2 and particularly the first player's circuitry with thecorresponding elements of the second player's circuitry being identifiedby corresponding primed numbers.

As previously noted, each of the switch units 10 is a multiple-poledswitch unit. In addition to the contact arm 95 at line L-43, each switchunit 10 includes a plurality of other contact arms shown connected insection 19. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment of theinvention, each switch unit includes three contact arms or poles fonningsingle pole, double-throw switches 130, 131 and 132, which are ganged toeach other and to the common pole 95 for simultaneous actuationtherewith. The switches 130, 131 and 132 are normally-open switches, oneside of which is connected in common at line L-28 to the normally-closedcorrect answer relay contacts 99-3.

The switch 130 interconnects the wrong answer relay 108 to the powerlines through the normally-closed relay contacts 99-3 and the now-closedcontacts 91-3 of the projector lamp relay 91. Thus, the matrix drivestepping switch unit 47 always move through the first five positions andto position 6 as previously described. Energization of the relay 108opens the contacts 108-1 at line L-46 to prevent the first player fromoperating the correct relay 99. Energization of relay 108 also resultsin closing of a set of normally-open contacts 108-2 at line L-31. Oneside of these contacts 108-2 is connected directly to the relay side ofthe switch 130. The opposite side of the contacts 108-2 is connected tothe wrong answer circuitry of lamps 93 and, in particular, to a lead 133which is connected directly to the power line through thenormally-closed contacts 99-3. Thus, when the relay contacts 108-2close, they provide a latching circuit to hold the relay 108 energizeduntil such time as the projector lamp relay contacts 91-3 open. Ashereinafter noted, this can only occur if the second player selects ananswer or the timing circuit operates to recycle to the next question.The relay 108 controls a third set of normally-closed contacts 108-3 atline L-31. The contacts 108-3 connect the line 133 to the player selectlamps 93. When the relay 108 is energized, contacts 108-3 open, therebydeenergizing of the player select answer lamps 93 and indicating that hecannot, at this time, actuate any of his pushbutton units 10 with anyresult.

The second ganged switch 131 at line L-29 connects a wrong answer lamp134 into circuit in parallel with the actuation of the relay 108. Thewrong answer lamp 134, however, is energized only as long as the playerholds the associated pushbutton unit 10 depressed and goes out as soonas the player releases the pushbutton unit l0.

The third switch 132 interconnects an inhibit step relay 135 at lineL-32 into circuit through a diode 136. The relay 135 is thus energizedwhen the player depresses the erroneous pushbutton switch unit 10 as aresult of the contact 99-3 remaining closed. The inhibit step relay 135and the player related wrong answer relay 108 are interconnected tocontrol the sequencing and recording of the circuit operation during themovement or stepping of the switch unit 47 through the position sixthrough twelve and to control energization of a wrong answer alarm suchas a buzzer 137 at line L-S. The relay 108 includes an open set ofcontacts 108-4 in series with a set of normally-open contacts 135-1 ofthe inhibit step relay 135 and the buzzer 137 connected across theoutput of the transformer secondary 28. The contacts 108-4 will belatched in through the latching of the wrong answer relay 108, theinhibit step relay 135 is energized as long as the player one depresseshis pushbutton to establish a wrong answer signal.

In addition, the energization of the relays 108 and 135 condition a bothplayers wrong answer circuit at line L-54 of FIG. 3 and particularly aboth-player wrong answer relay 138. One side of relay 138 is connecteddirectly to the positive power line 30 and the opposite side isconnected in series with a set of normally-closed contacts 135-2 ofrelay 135, a set of normally-open contacts 108-5 of the first playerwrong answer relay and a set of contacts 108'-5 of the second playerwrong answer relay 108' into the output matrix network. The sixthposition line 74 and the eighth through the twelfth position lines 76through 80 inclusive are similarly connected by corresponding individualdiodes 139 to the reference or cross line L-54. This conditionsthecircuit of relay 138 for operation in either the sixth or the eighthto the twelfth position if both players have selected an improper orwrong answer but only if such has occurred. Further, the players musthave released the associated button units 10 and 11 before the relay 138can be energized. Thus the relay contacts 135-2 are controlled by theinhibit relay 135 which, in turn, is connected into the circuit incommon through the third switches 132 and 132 of the switch button units10 and 11. The first player to select the wrong answer thus locks outthe energization of the relay 138. This does not, in any way, affect theopportunity of the other player to select a correct answer.Consequently, there is no reason for the first player to hold theimproper answer pushbutton unit 10 depressed. The second player can thendetermine the correct answer. If he answers correctly, the circuitfunctions exactly as previously described through the operation of therelay 99'.

If the second player also selects incorrectly, he will energize hisrelay 108 at line L-33 through the switch to energize the related secondplayer wrong answer lamp 134' through the switch 131 to energize theinhibit step relay 135 through the diode 136 and switch 132'.Energization of the second player wrong answer relay 108 results inlatching of the relay 108' in a circuit through the normally-opencontacts 108'-2, energizing of buzzer 137 by closure of contacts 108-4at line L-5, and the de-energization of the second player select answerlamps 94 through the now-opened, normally closed relay contacts 108'-3.The relay 108 latches in and also closes contacts l085 at line L-54. Thewrong answer or inhibit step relay 135 is deenergized upon release ofthe wrong answer pushbutton unit 11 and the contacts 135-1 at line L-open to de-energize buzzer 137 and contacts 135-2 at line L-54 return tothe normally-closed position thereby completing the circuit to the relay138. The diode 139 in the sixth position interconnects the line L-54 tothe sixth position matrix line and contact 74. Once the relay 138 isenergized, it is maintained energized through a set of normally-openlatching contacts 138-1 which are connected in parallel with the severalwrong answer relay contacts at line L-54. Relay 138 includes a secondset of stepping contacts 138-2 connected in line L-24 providing powerinto the input matrix section 20. The contacts 138-2 are normally-opencontacts and a diode 140 connects the line L-24 to the sixth positionmatrix line and contact 62 of the first section contact 53. In the sixthposition, the energizing of relay 138 results in stepping of the switchunit 47 to the seventh position.

The stepping opens the circuit to both player wrong answer relay 138 asa result of the absence of the diode 139 between the seventh positionline 75 of the output matrix and the cross line L-54. As a result, theboth player wrong answer relay 138 is reset.

The both player wrong answer relay 138 also controls a set of contacts138-3 at line L-32 which forms a common input connection between thepositive power line 30 and the connection to the wrong answer section 19of the circuit. Thus, when the relay 138 is energized, the circuits ofrelays 108 and 108'are de-energized and the corresponding latchingcontacts open. This resets the both player wrong relay 138 and theanswer section 19 and in particular relays 108, 108' and 135 toreestablish the control circuit similar to that obtained by a correctanswer by either party but with the circuit for the input matrices nowat the eighth position line. Thus, in the seventh position, the inputmatrix provides an automatic stepping similar to that described when acorrect answer is established through the interconnection of the diode114 between the line L-25 and the seventh position matrix line andcontacts 63 of the first contact 53. The player select lamps 93 and 94,respectively, are again on and indicate that the players can now tryagain at the reduced score level.

A correct answer by either player at this time would initiate the samesequence previously described for a correct answer providing forrecording of the reduced score as a result of a single actuation of theplayer score coils 36 or 37 depending upon which player selected theproper answer. Wrong answers would reinitiate the same sequence justdescribed immediately above with the energization of the relay 138 atline L-54.

At position eight of the input matrix section 20, a diode 14l connectsthe eight position matrix line and contact 64 to the cross line L-24 andthus interconnects the stepping circuitry through both player wrongrelay contacts 138-2. This will result in stepping to the ninthposition. It should be noted that in the eighth through the twelfthpositions, the output matrix section 21 includes diodes 139interconnecting the reference line l.. -54 to the respective lines76'through 80. The second energization of relay 138 is maintainedenergized and the contacts 138-2 at line L-24 are maintained closed.Thus, the diode 141 at position eight provides for stepping of the unit47 to move the switching unit to the position nine. At position nine,the diode 118 connected between the cross line L-25 and the ninthposition line 65 provides for automatic stepping E ts to the tenthposition. At that position, a diode 142 interconnects the cross lineL-24 to the tenth position line 66 thereby providing for stepping toposition eleven through the normally-closed contacts 38-2. In position11, the correct answer line 121 is energized through the output matrixand particularly through the diode which interconnects the cross lineL-59 to the eleventh position line 79. Line 121 illuminates theappropriate lamps 122 of section 18 is previously described.

As in the previous description, the go lights 124 at line L-60 are alsoenergized through the diode 125. The question is then presented with thecorrect answer and held awaiting actuation of the go" switch 127 at lineL-23 or automatic stepping by operation of timer 92.

As previously noted, timer 92 is connected in parallel with theprojector lamp relay 91 at line 15-49. A set of timer contacts 92-1 atline L-21 are normally open and time-out after a predetermined timeenergization of relay 92. The sixth, eighth, tenth and eleventh positionlines and contacts 62, 64, 66 and 67 of the input matrix section 20 areconnected by individual diodes 143 to line L-2l such that if the game isin any one of such positions after a predetermined time period, theclosure of contacts 92-1 will provide for automatic stepping to thenextposition including the twelfth position at which the stepping switchunit 47 is automatically recycled to the home or initial positionthrough the interconnection of the diode 128 at line L-25. Furthermore,the seventh and ninth positions which are not interconnected through thetime-delay switch include direct stepping switch diodes 114 and 118which respectively connect the cross line L-25 to the seventh and ninthposition lines of the input matrix. Thus, after the timing out of relay92 the circuit is established to directly and continuously step thestepping switch unit 47 to the initial position independently of theselection of the balance of the circuitry.

Thus, if the players do not complete all of their attempts at answeringthe question within a preset time delay, the circuit automaticallyrecycles giving the correct answer and presenting the next question. Theprevious question is, therefore, lost and the game proceeds with thenext question.

This, and all subsequent questions which may be included within anygiven catgeory, is correspondingly presented and responded to by theplayers.

- As noted, with an incorrect response or even with a correct responseafter a first incorrect response, the allotted score may decrease and ifnot answered within an allotted time will reduce to zero. This may bevisually indicated by aplurality of score-related lamps such as shown atlines L-SS, L-56 and L-57. Thus, line L-56 includes a maximum score lamp144 which is interconnected to the sixth position output line of theoutput matrix via a diode 145. In the sixth position, this lamp isilluminated and will be maintained illuminated until such time as thestepping unit 47 is actuated to move to the seventh and then to theeighth position which is automatically sequenced as previouslydescribed. In the eighth position, a reduced score lamp 146 at line L-56is interconnected into the circuit via a diode 147 which interconnectsthe cross line L-56 to the matrix output line 76. Thus, if the correctanswer is given only after a first wrong selection, the reduced score asindicated by the lamp 146 will be recorded. If

the response is not established until the device has been stepped to theeleventh position as a result of a second dual incorrect response, alamp 148 at line 11-57 is turned on as a result of an interconnectingdiode 149 which connects the eleventh position line 79 of the outputmatrix to the line L-57.

All of the questions in the category are presented in a time spacedsequence with the circuit similarly responding to the variouscombinations of inputs by the two players.

When the final question in the series is presented, a final questionrelay 150 at line L-39 of FIG. 2 is energized as follows. A final orgame termination relay transistor 151 at line L-41 is provided with aninput circuit in parallel with the input circuits to the answerselection transistors 100. The final question film frame will have anappropriate aperture or light transmitting opening transmitting light toa photocell 152, thereby turning on transistor 151. Theemitter-to-collector or output circuit of the transistor 151 isconnected in circuit with the input circuit of a transistor 153 at lineL-40 and the diode 105 directly across the lines 30 and 31. Thus, whenthe transistor 151 is biased to conduct, it, in turn, biases the NPNtransistor 153 to conduct. The output of the transistor 153 is connectedbetween the diode 105 and the negative power side of the relay 150. Theopposite side of the relay 150 is connected directly to the positiveline 30 and, therefore, conduction of the transistor 153 provides aturn-on current through the relay 150. The relay 150 includes a set ofholding or latching contacts 1501 connected in parallel with the finalquestion transistor 153 and the diode 105. Thus, when the relay 150 isenergized, contacts 151 close and hold the relay 150 energized untilsuch time as the projector lamp relay 91 is deenergized to open thecontacts 91-3 to remove power from the circuit 18 and relay 150.

A final question lamp 154 is connected in parallel with the relay 150and is correspondingly energized to indicate to the players that thefinal question is being presented.

The relay 150 controls a second set of contacts 150-2 in line L-52 ofthe output matrix section 21 in FIG. 3. The contacts 150-2 arenormally-closed and are connected to the game relay 35 through theinterconnecting lead 46 and the self-latching contacts 35-2 of relay 35.The relay contacts 150-2 are connected to the twelfth position line andcontact 80 by a diode 155. Thus, contacts 150-2 are closed except forthe very last question and the line 46 is maintained energized at thetwelfth position via the diode 155 for all of the previous questions.When the final question has been presented, however, the contacts 150-2are held open. When the stepping switch unit 47 now reaches the twelfthposition, the circuit to the game relay line 46 is broken by thecontacts 150-2. The power path to relay 35 at line L-16 is open andrelay 35 is de-energized. When the stepping switch unit 47 now reachesits first position, contacts 35-3 at line L18 are open. The steppingswitch unit 47 is therefore incapable of directly recycling as in theprevious questions. The circuit is now in the standby conditionrequiring insertion of another coin into the receiver 6 to again closethe switch 34.

The overall. sequence of the system can thus be briefly summarized asfollows. The game is started by insertion of a coin into the receiver 6to initiate the energization of the starting relay 32 whichautomatically resets the visual display units 14 and 15 to zero and thenenergizes the game relay 35 which is latched into the circuit throughthe diodes 82 at line 13-53 and the diode 55 at line L-52, to maintainthe relay 35 until all of the questions have been presented. Thestepping switch unit 47 then automatically steps through the first fivepositions to actuate the projector motor 25 to present the properquestion and establish the sixth position for responding to anappropriate or inappropriate answer or answers and to establish theprojection of the first question and associated answers. The steppingunit 47 is then sequenced through the positions 6 through 12 in responseto the selection of improper or proper answers by the respective playersactuating the pushbutton units 10 and 11. If a player selects a correctanswer on his first selection, he obtains a maximum score. If a playerselects an incorrect answer on his first selection, his circuit islocked out until such time as the second player makes a selection. If hemakes proper selection, he obtains the maximum score. If he selects animproper answer, the stepping unit 47 steps to a reduced score positionwhere both players may then make sequential selections of an improper orproper answer, being rewarded with a reduced score in response to aproper answer. Improper answers automatically reduce the score to zeroand recycles to the next question. If both players fail to respondwithin a given allotted time, the timing relay 92 at line L-49automatically cycles to the next question thereby preventing eitherplayer from scoring based on the previous question.

The stepping switch unit 47 thus recycles after the time delay of relay92 or in response to actuation of the go button 127 at line L-23 afterreaching of the eleventh position with the same sequence being followedfor each of the questions except for the final question.

The final question results in the energization of the relay through theillumination of the photocell 152. This sets up the circuit and, inparticular, opens the circuit to the game relay line 46 at line L-52such that when the twelfth position is reached, the latching circuit tothe game relay 35 is opened. The game circuit is reset with the gamerelay contacts 35-3 at line L-18 open and preventing the self-steppingof the stepping switch unit 47 to the second position.

This, then, requires reinsertion of a further coin in the receiver 6 torecycle and initiate a new game.

The present invention has been found to provide a reliable and versatilemultiple-player information device for multiple-choice instructionalapparatus and the like.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the following claims which particularly point outand distinctly claim the subject matter which is regarded as theinvention.

I claim:

1. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response,

interlock means responsive to actuation of any one separate inputselection means selectively controlling the response means to determinethe subsequent establishment of said first and second responses, saidinformation includes visual display of a question and a plurality ofproposed answers including only one of which is correct, each of saidresponse means including correct response control means and an incorrectresponse control means connected to define said interlock means, each ofsaid selection means including a corresponding number of answer-relatedswitch means individually connected to actuate the correspondingincorrect and correct response control means, said correct responsecontrol means including means coupled to operatively disable the correctresponse control means of the other response means and to saidcorresponding incorrect response control means, said incorrect responsecontrol means including means coupled to disable the correspondingcorrect response control means and to latch the activated incorrectresponse control means in a response state, and reset means responsiveto the predetermined actuation of said correct response means and saidincorrectresponse means to selectively reset the several control means.

2. The instructional apparatus of claim 1, wherein each group ofresponse means includes an individual incorrect response indicatingmeans, and having a common incorrect response indicating means.

3. The instructional apparatus of claim 1, wherein said reset meansincludes cycling means coupled to reset the incorrect response controlmeans and permit a subsequent actuation of the multiple input selectionmeans.

4. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, said information includes visual display of aquestion and a plurality of proposed answers including only one of whichis correct, each of said response means including correct responsecontrol means and an incorrect response control means, each of saidselection means including a corresponding number of answer-related meansindividually connected to actuate the corresponding incorrect andcorrect response control means, said incorrect response control meansincluding means coupled to disable the corresponding correct responsecontrol means and to latch the activated incorrect response controlmeans in a response state, and reset means responsive to actuation ofsaid plurality of incorrect response control means to reset theincorrect response control means.

5. The instructional apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said controlmeans in corresponding response relay connected to define said interlockmeans, said answer-related means being switches, code means associatedwith the presentation means individually connecting the switches toenergize the corresponding incorrect and correct response relays, eachof said correct response relays including disable contacts in thecircuit of the correct response relays of the other response means andin the circuit of corresponding incorrect response relays, saidincorrect response relays including disable contacts in the circuit ofthe corresponding correct response relay, each of said relays havinglatching contacts in latching circuits to maintain the correspondingrelay energized, and said reset means selectively opening the latchingcircuits to said relays.

6. The instructional apparatus of claim 4, wherein said presentationmeans includes a multiple frame film and film projection means forsequentially presenting in time-spaced relation a series of film frameseach of which includes a question and a plurality of responsive answersonly one of which is correct, said film carrying coded means to indicatesaid correct answer, a code reader selectively coupled to said film toread the correct answer coded means for the question being presented andestablish a related output signal, each of said input selection meansincluding a first group of individual answer selection switch meansconnected to said code reader with the corresponding switch means ofsaid plurality of selection means being connected in common to said codereader, each of said correct response control means including a correctanswer switch means connected to the corresponding selection switchmeans for selective energization in accordance with the output signal ofsaid code reader, said input selection means including a second group ofindividual selection switch means coupled to said corresponding firstgroup, each of said incorrect response control means including anincorrect answer switch means connected to the corresponding individualselection switch means of said second group, each of said correct answerswitch means having latching means connected to hold itself in operationand first disable means connected to disable all other correct answerswitch means and second disable means to disable the correspondingincorrect answer switch means, each of said. incorrect answer switchmeans having latching means connected to hold itself in operation anddisable means connected to disable the corresponding correct answerswitch means, cycle means responsive to operation of a plurality of theincorrect answer switch means to reset said 7 latching means andre-enable said correct answer switch means and said disable means, andsaid reset means responsive to actuation of a correct answer switchmeans and to a second actuation of the plurality of incorrect answerswitch means to actuate said presentation means.

7. The instructional apparatus of claim 4, wherein said informationincludes visual display of the stimulus information and a plurality ofproposed responses including correct and incorrect responses, each ofsaid response means including a correct response control switch meansand an incorrect response control switch means, a multiple incorrectresponse switch means, each of said selection means including acorresponding number of proposed response-related switch means eachhaving a first switch individually connected to actuate thecorresponding correct response control switch means and a second switchindividually connected to actuate said corresponding incorrect responsecontrol switch means and a third switch connected to actuate saidmultiple incorrect response switch means, said correct response controlswitch means including a first switch coupled to operatively disable thecorrect response control switch means of the other response means and asecond switch connected to operatively disable said correspondingincorrect response control switch means, said incorrect response controlswitch means including a third switch coupled to disable thecorresponding correct response control switch means and a fourth switchto latch the activated response control switch means in a responsestate, means connecting said multiple incorrect response switch means toreset said several control switch means, and reset switch means toselectively reset the several control switch means.

8. The instructional apparatus of claim 7 wherein said reset meansincludes a cycling switch means having a plurality of contact positionsincluding first contact positions energizing said presentation means,second contact positions energizing said response control means and saidmultiple input selection means, a third contact position energizing saidreset switch means, a fourth contact position energizing said responsecontrol means input selection means, and a timing means connected tooperatively reset the apparatus to present a further bit of informationand related responses after a predetermined period of the presentationof a given bit of information, said cycling switch means energizing saidtiming means in said second through said fourth contact positions.

9. The instructional apparatus of claim 4, wherein said presentationmeans includes a film and film projection means for sequentiallypresenting a series of questions in time-spaced relation, said filmsimultaneously presenting a plurality of responsive answers includingone of which is correct, correct coded means to indicate the correctanswer, a code reader reading the coded means for the question beingpresented, said input selection means including a first group'ofindividual selection switch means connected to said code reader toestablish a power supply connection means with the corresponding switchmeans in said plurality of response means being connected in common tosaid code reader, each of said correct response control means includinga correct answer means connected to the corresponding selection switchmeans, said input selection means including a second group of individualselection switch means coupled to said corresponding first group, eachof said incorrect response control means including an incorrect answermeans connected to the corresponding individual selection switch meansof said second group, each of said correct answer means having latchingmeans connected to hold itself in operation and first disable meansconnected to disable all other correct answer switch means and seconddisable means to disable the corresponding incorrect answer switchmeans, each of said incorrect answer means having latching meansconnected to hold itself in operation and disable means connected todisable the corresponding correct answer switch means, and said resetmeans being responsive to selected actuation of said correct answerswitch means or said incorrect answer switch means to actuate saidpresentation means to present a new question.

10. The instructional apparatus of claim 9, wherein said film carryingsaid coded means to indicate a correct response, a multiple channel codereader having a channel for each given response and selectively coupledto said film to establish an output circuit for the correct responsecoded means, said first group of individual selection switches connectedin series with each other and having an actuated position connected tosaid code reader with the corresponding switches in said plurality ofresponse means being connected to the related output channels of saidcode reader, each of said response means including a correct answerrelay connected to the corresponding series connected selectionswitches, said each of said response means including an incorrect answerrelay connected to the corresponding individual selection switch meansof said second group, each of said correct answer relays having latchingcontacts connected to hold the corresponding relay'in operation andfirst disable contacts connected to open the circuit to all othercorrect answer relays and second disable contacts to disable thecorresponding incorrect answer relay, each of said incorrect answerrelays having latching contacts connected to hold the correspondingrelay in operation and disable contacts connected to open the circuit tothe corresponding correct answer relay, cycling switch means tosequentially energize the presentation means and the code reader, secondtry relay means actuated by a plurality of said incorrect answer relaysand said cycle means to reset said incorrect answer relays and saidcorrect answer relays, and said reset means being responsive toactuation of correct answer relay and to a second actuation of saidsecond try relay means to actuate said presentation means.

11. The instructional apparatus of claim 10, having presentation drivemeans, said cycling switch means having a plurality of first lines and aplurality of second lines, a stepping switch means coupled to said firstlines for sequentially and cyclically supplying power to said firstlines, means connecting selected said second lines to said presentationdrive means, said code reader and said relays, said stepping switchmeans being sequentially connected to selected first lines, andunidirectional conductor means selectively connecting the first lines tosaid second lines to establish a predetermined transfer of power fromsaid first lines to said second lines during the presentation of eachstimulus information and related response information.

12. The instructional apparatus of claim 10, wherein said presentationmeans includes a triggered self cycling drive means for said filmprojection means coded means to indicate a correct response and toestablish an output circuit for the correct response coded means, saidfirst group of individual selection switches connected in series witheach other and having an actuated position connected to said code readerwith the corresponding switches in said plurality of response meansbeing correspondingly connected to said code reader, each of saidresponse means including a correct answer relay and a transistor switchconnected to the corresponding series connected selection switches toenergize said relay, each of said response means including an incorrectanswer relay connected in series to the corresponding individualselection switch means of said second group, each of said correct answerrelays having latching contacts connected to hold the correspondingrelay in operation and first disable contacts connected to open thecircuit to all other correct answer relays and second disable contactsto disable the corresponding incorrect answer relay, each of saidincorrect answer relays having latching contacts connected to hold thecorresponding relay in operation and disable contacts connected to openthe circuit to have corresponding correct answer relay, a scoring meanshaving a cyclical drive means establishing a selected score for eachcycle, cycling switch means to sequentially energize first the drivemeans of said presentation means and then film projection means and thecode reader with the response means and the input selection means,second try relay means actuated by a plurality of aid incorrect answerrelays and said cycle means to reset said incorrect answer relays andsaid correct answer relays, and said reset means being responsive toactuation of correct answer relay and to a second actuation of saidsecond try relay means to actuate said presentation means.

13. The instructional apparatus of claim 9, wherein said film carryingcoded means to indicate a correct response, a multiple channel codereader having a channel for each given response and selectively coupledto said film to establish an output circuit for the correct responsecoded means, said first group of individual se- I 'lection switchesconnected in series with each other and having an actuated positionconnected to said code reader with the corresponding switches in saidplurality of response means being connected to the related outputchannels of said code reader, each of said response means including acorrect answer relay connected to the corresponding series connectedselection switches, each of said response means including an incorrectanswer relay connected to the corresspoinding individual selectionswitch means of said second group, each of said correct answer relayshaving latching contacts connected to hold the corresponding relay inoperation and first disable contacts connected to open the circuit toall'other correct answer relays and second disable contacts to disablethe corresponding incorrect answer relay, each of said incorrect answerrelays having latching contacts connected to hold the correspondingrelay in operation and disable contacts connected to open the circuit tothe corresponding correct answer relay, and cycle switching means tosequentially energize the presentation means and the code reader.

14. The instructional apparatus of claim 13, wherein said cycleswitching means includes a first switching matrix including a pluralityof first lines and a plurality of second lines interconnected by diodesand a second switching matrix including a plurality of third lines and aplurality of fourth lines interconnected by diodes, a first powercontact member mounted to sequentially and cyclically scan said firstlines to supply power thereto, a second power contact member mounted tosequentially and cyclically scan said third lines from a home third lineto a reset third line, a step drive means coupled to said contactmembers and connected to said second contact member, a cycle start meanshaving contacts connected to a fourth line connected to the homeposition third line, said second lines being connected to said cyclerelay and to selected first lines to establish a start means maintainingcircuit, one of said pair of said second lines including stoppresentation contacts and being connected to a final reset first line toreset the apparatus to standby, a projection advance relay, a secondposition of said second matrix connected to supply power to saidprojection advance relay, the second and third positions of said firstmatrix connected to supply power to said switch drive means throughprojecting advance relay contacts in said fourth lines, a projectionrelay connected to a second line connected to first lines in all switchpositions following said third position, said projection relay havingcontacts connected in circuit with said code reader and said inputselection switches and said response means, a correct response means,each of said correct answer relays having contacts in a correspondingsecond line and operable to actuate the correct response means with saidfirst matrix in a selected position following the third position, eachof said correct answer relays having contacts connected in parallel withthe corresponding contacts of the other correct answer relay in a fourthline connected to third lines in the position of the sec ond matrixcorresponding to the selected position of said first matrix, a bothplayer wrong means said incorrect answer relays having contactsconnected in series with each other with the both player wrong means ina second line of said first matrix connected to first lines in allpositions following said selected position said both player wrong meanshaving contacts connected in a fourth line of said second matrix toreset said cycle switching means to the home position in response toenergization of the both player wrong means.

15. The instructural apparatus of claim 14 having a plurality of correctresponse means connected in common to one of said second lines connectedto a first line following the selected position of the matrix andconnected to said code reader for individual energization to indicatethe correct response.

16. The instructural apparatus of claim 14 having a manually operableswitch connected in a fourth line connected to a third line in the nextto the last position of the second matrix to selectively energize theswitching means and reset the switching means to the home position. 17.The instructional apparatus of claim 16 having a scoring means'having ahome position and cyclically operable to score a unit score in responseto energization of the scoring means, said cycle start means being acycle relay connected in circuit through said scoring means and havingsaid contacts connected to a fourth line connected to the home positionthird line, a timing relay connected in parallel with said projectionrelay and having contacts connected in one of said fourth lines toestablish an automatic cycling of the switching means to the homeposition after a selected time interval, a correct answer bell, each ofsaid correct answer relays having contacts connected in parallel withthe corresponding contacts of the other correct answer relay in a secondline connected to first lines in the fifth and seventh positions of thefirst matrix, said second matrix supplying power directly to said switchmeans in said fifth and seventh positions said both player wrong meansbeing a relay.

18. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, said presentation means includes a multiple framefilm and film projection means for sequentially presenting the filmframes and, said frames each having a question and a plurality ofresponsive answers only one of which is correct, said film carrying amultiple channel coded means with a channel for each answer to indicatesaid correct answer, a code reader including a plurality of channelscoupled to said film channels to read the correct answer coded means andestablish a circuit path in the correct answer channel for the questionbeing presented, said input selection means including a first group ofindividual selection switch means, each selection switch means hqving apair of contact means with a common pole, one of each pair of contactmeans being connected to a corresponding code reader channel with thecorresponding switch means in said plurality of selection switch meansbeing connected in common to'said code reader channel and a second ofwhich is connected in series with the other second contacts each of saidresponse means including a correct answer means connected in series withsaid second contacts of the corresponding selection switch means, eachof said input selection means including a second group of individualselection switch means coupled to said corresponding first group, eachof said response means including an incorrect response means connectedto the corresponding individual selection switch means of said secondgroup, each of said correct answer means having latching means connectedto hold itself in operation and first disable means connected to disableall other correct answer switch means and each of said incorrect answermeans having latching means connected to hold itself in operation anddisable means connected to disable the corresponding correct answerswitch means.

19. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, said presentation means being operable tosequentially present a series of time-spaced bits of stimulusinformation and a plurality of response means includes a scoring meansresponsive to proper actuation of said input selection means, saidscoring means including a cyclical score reset means, and meansconnecting said scoring means to said presentation means and saidresponse means to reset the scoring means to a reference position at thestart of each series of presentations.

20. The instructional apparatus of claim 19 having a presentation drivemeans and a visual display means, a starting control means, a gamecontrol means, said scoring means including a single cycle controlswitch means including a home position said start control means andcycle control switch being connected to conjointly control said gamecontrol means, a cycling switch means having a plurality of contactpositions, said game control means being connected to a first contactposition to actuate the switch means to the second position means insaid second contact position energizing said presentation drive means,means in the third contact position automatical drive said cyclingswitch means, means in the fourth contact position supplying a powerconnection to said response means and said multiple input selectionmeans, a fifth contact position including said response means forselectively energizing said score means, a correct response indicator, asixth contact position including said indicator and responsive operationof a selected input selection means, and a seventh contact positionconnected to indicate the correct response and to reset the game controlmeans, and a timing means connected in circuit through said cyclingswitch means to operatively reset the apparatus to present a further bitof information and related responses after a predetermined period of thepresentation of a given bit of information.

21. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, said presentation means including a plurality ofproposed responses for the stimulus information including a correctresponse and a plurality of incorrect responses, each of said responsemeans including a correct response control means and an incorrectresponse control means, each of said selection means including acorresponding number of given response-related switch means individuallyconnected to actuate the corresponding incorrect and correct responsecontrol means, said incorrect response control means including firstswitch means connected to disable the corresponding correct responsecontrol means and second switch means to latch the activated incorrectresponse control means in a response state, separate operationalindicating means for each selection means to indicate that a selectionmay be made, said incorrect response means including a third switchmeans connected to disable said indicating means, and a wrong answerselected means connected to the response related switch means andactuated thereby..

22. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive toactuation of anyone separate input selection means selectively controlling the responsemeans to determine the subsequent establishment of said first and secondresponses, said presentation means being a multiple frame film meanshaving a self-cycling stepping means for sequentially presenting eachfilm frame, each of said frames carrying a bit of stimulus information,a plurality of responses and a code area for each response with one codearea different than all others to encode the correct response, saidplurality of response means each including separate bank of switchesincluding a different selection switch means for each of said responses,a code reader mounted adjacent the presentation means to read the codeareas of each frame as the information and responses are presented, eachselection switch means including a single-pole double-throw switchhaving an output pole connected to actuate the response means and afirst contact connected to the code reader and the second contactconnected to the pole of another switch in the same bank, and eachselection switch means further including an improper response switchhaving a pole ganged with the output pole and connected to actuate theimproper response means if proper output pole is actuated.

23. An instructionalapparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups ofresponse'means, a plurality of separate multiple input selection meansfor actuating a corresponding response means, each of said multipleinput selection means being particularly related to said informationwhereby selected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selectionmeans of each group is proper and creates a first response and actuationof other of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, cycle switch means including a plurality ofdifferent circuit establishing positions and means to sequentiallyestablish said positions, said switching cyclically energizing saidpresentation means, said response means and said input selection meansto sequentially present a series of different information in time spacedrelation, and means responsive to presentation of final information inthe series to operatively disconnect said switching means,

24. The instructional apparatus of claim 23, wherein said presentationmeans is operable to sequentially present a series of time-spaced bitsof stimulus information and a plurality of related responses for eachbit of stimulus information, each of said plurality of response meansincludes a scoring means responsive to proper actuation of said inputselection means, said scoring means including a cyclical score drivemeans, establishing a selected score during each cycle means connectingsaid scoring means to said presentation means and said response means toreset the scoring means to a reference position at the start of eachseries of presentations, and means in said cycle switch means includinga plurality of positions to actuate said drive means and therebyestablish a score related to a point in each sequence that a correctresponse means is actuated.

25. The instructional apparatus of claim 23, wherein visual displaymeans presents said information as a stimulus information and aplurality of proposed responses including correct and incorrectresponses,

.each of said response means including a correct response control switchmeans and an incorrect response control switch means, a multipleincorrect response control switch means, each of said selection meansincluding a corresponding number of proposed responserelated switchmeans each having a firstswitch individually connected to actuate thecorresponding correct response control switch means and a second switchindividually connected to actuate the corresponding incorrect responsecontrol switch means and a multiple third switch connected to actuatesaid incorrect response switch means, said cycle switch means having aseries of positions supplying power to said response means and saidswitch means subsequent to actuation of said presentation means, saidcorrect response control switch means including a first switch coupledto operatively disable the correct response control switch means of theother response means and to a second switch connected to operativelydisable said corresponding incorrect response control switch means, saidincorrect response control switch means including a third switch coupledto disable the corresponding correct response control switch means and afourth switch to latch the activated incorrect response control switchmeans in a response state, means connecting said multiple incorrectresponse switch means to selectively reset all of said incorrectresponse control switch means, and reset switch means to selectivelyreset the several control switch means.

26. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of separate multiple inputselection means for actuating a corresponding response means, each ofsaid multiple input selection means beingparticularly related to saidinformation whereby selected actuation of a predetermined one of theinput selection means of each group is proper and creates a firstresponse and actuation of other of the same input selection means ofeach group is improper and creates a second response, interlock meansresponsive to actuation of any one separate input selection meansselectively controlling the response means to determine the subsequentestablishment of said first and second responses including a controlmeans establishing the apparatus to present a series of bits ofdifferent information, a cycling switch means having a plurality ofcontact positions including means to scan said contact positions saidresponse control means and said multiple input selection means, each bitof information for the presentation of and sequentially energize thepresentation means, circuit means connected to each of said contactpositions to energize said control means and including a stop means in aselected contact position, and a coded means connected to operativelyactuate the stop means to deenergize said control means and prevent thepresentation of information.

27. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, a control matrix including first lines and saidsecond lines interconnected at selected points by unidirectionalconducting means, a cycle switch having a cycle switch drive means andhaving a first switch element sequentially and cyclically supplyingpower to selected first lines element and sequentially and cyclicallyconnecting first lines to the cycle switch drive means and having asecond switch element, said second lines being connected to a powersupply for operating said cycle switch drive means and to saidpresentation means and to said response means for selectively energizingsaid presentation means and said response means during each position ofsaid switch elements.

28. The instructional apparatus of claim 31 having drive means for saidpresentation means providing a stepping movement in response to an inputcontrol signal, said unidirectional conducting means being diodes, saidcycle switch being a stepping switch having a drive coil connected inseries drive circuit with a set of normally closed contacts actuated bysaid drive coil said second lines being connected to energize saidpresentation means including said drive means, said response means andsaid selection input means, said first switch element being a firstswitch bank including a plurality of contacts connected to said firstlines and a first movable power contact sequentially and cyclicallyengaging said contacts, said power contact being connected to a powersupply means, said second switch element being a second switch bankincluding a plurality of second contacts and a second movable contactsequentially and cyclically engaging said second contacts, said secondmovable contact being connected to said series drive circuit, and asecond switching matrix including a plurality of third lines connectedto said second contacts and fourth lines connected to a power supplyswitch means in said fourth lines connected to a power supply, switchmeans in said fourth lines to selectively energize said coil andestablish movement of said first and second movable contacts inaccordance with the operation of said response means.

29. The instructional apparatus of claim 27 wherein said presentationmeans includes a drive means for sequential presentation of stimulusinformation and related response information, each of said plurality ofresponse means including a correct response means coupled to the inputselection means and responsive to a given selection and an incorrectresponse means coupled to the input selection means and responsive toselection other than said given selection, power switching control meansactuated by said response means, means connecting said second lines tosaid presentation means, said input selection means, said response meansand said switching control means to control the energization of saidseveral means and said unidirectional enting stimulus information andresponse information comprising information carrier presentation meanshaving a drive means for sequential presentation of stimulus informationand related response information, input selection means for selectingthe response information, a correct response means coupled to the inputselection means and responsive to a given selection, an incorrectresponse means coupled to the input selection means and responsive toselection other than said given selection, a cycle switching means, aplurality of first lines, a plurality of second lines, said cycleswitching means having contact means connected to first selectedones ofsaid first lines for sequentially and cyclically supplying power to saidfirst lines, means connecting said second lines to said presentationmeans, said input means, said response means and said switching means tocontrol the energization of said several means, and unidirectionalconducting means to selectively couple the first lines to said secondlines to establish a predetermined transfer of power from said firstlines to said second lines during the presentation of each stimulusinformation and related response information.

31. The instructional apparatus of claim 30, wherein said cycleswitching means includes said first lines and said scond lines defininga first matrix with said unidirectional conducting means being diodes,said switching means being a stepping switch having a first switch bankdefining said contact means coupled to said first lines for sequentiallyand cyclically supplying power to said first lines and having a secondswitch bank, a second group of first and second lines define a secondmatrix, a drive for said cycle switching means, said second switch bankconnecting said drive to said first lines of said second matrix, saidsecond lines of said second matrix connected to a power supply andincluding drive control switch means controlled by said first matrix.

32. The instructional apparatus of claim 30, wherein said drive meansfor said information carrier presentation means provides a steppedmovement in response to an input control signal, said plurality of firstlines and plurality of second lines defines a switching matrix with thelines connected by diodes, said switching means is a stepping switchhaving a drive coil connected in series drive circuit with a set ofnormally closed contacts actuated by said drive coil, said switchingmeans having a first switch bank including a plurality of contactsconnected to said first lines and a first movable contact sequentiallyand cyclically engaging said contacts, said stepping switch having asecond switch bank including a plurality of second contacts and a secondmovable contact sequentially and cyclically engaging said secondcontacts, said second movable contact being connected to said seriesdrive circuit, and a second switching matrix including a plurality ofthird lines connected to said second contacts and fourth lines connectedto a power supply, switch means in said fourth lines to selectivelyenergize said coil and establish movement of said first and secondmovable contacts in accordance with the operation of said responsemeans.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent 3. 765.105Dat d October 16, 1973 Inventor s HAROLD s. MONTGOMERY and ROGER J.BUDNIK It is certified that error appears .in the aboveidentified patentand that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 3, Line 37, before "as" insert I such 7 Column 7, Line 35, after"contact" cancel "44" and insert 43 Column 13, v Line 7 S, cancel "52"and insert 53 fifi Coluinn 21, Line 1 66, delete "8" and insert Claim 5Column 31, Line '27, delete "31" and insert Y 27.---; and I Line 29,cancel "stepping" and insert stepped Signed and sealed this 17th day ofSeptember 197A.

(SEAL) v Attest: v

McCOY M. GIBSON, i C. MARSHALL DANN I Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents FORM po'wso HO'GS) uscoMM-Dc 6O376-P69 UrS. GOVERNMENT PRINTINGOFFICE: I969 0-866-3.

1. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a pluralityof different persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, said information includes visual display of aquestion and a plurality of proposed answers including only one of whichis correct, each of said response means including correct responsecontrol means and an incorrect response control means connected todefine said interlock means, each of said selection means including acorresponding number of answer-related switch means individuallyconnected to actuate the corresponding incorrect and correct responsecontrol means, said correct response control means including meanscoupled to operatively disable the correct response control means of theother response means and to said corresponding incorrect responsecontrol means, said incorrect response control means including meanscoupled to disable the corresponding correct response control means andto latch the activated incorrect response control means in a responsestate, and reset means responsive to the predetermined actuation of saidcorrect response means and said incorrect response means to selectivelyreset the several control means.
 2. The instructional apparatus of claim1, wherein each group of response means includes an individual incorrectresponse indicating means, and having a common incorrect responseindicating means.
 3. The instructional apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid reset means includes cycling means coupled to reset the incorrectresponse control means and permit a subsequent actuation of the multipleinput selection means.
 4. An instructional apparatus for simultaneousoperation by a plurality of different persons, comprising presentationmeans for sequentially presenting stimulus information, a plurality ofgroups of response means, a plurality of separate multiple inputselection means for actuating a corresponding response means, each ofsaid multiple input selection means being particularly related to saidinformation whereby selected actuation of a predetermined one of theinput selection means of each group is proper and creates a firstresponse and actuation of other of the same input selection means ofeach group is improper and creates a second response, interlock meansresponsive to actuation of any one separate input selection meansselectively controlling the response means to determine the subsequentestablishment of said first and second responses, said informationincLudes visual display of a question and a plurality of proposedanswers including only one of which is correct, each of said responsemeans including correct response control means and an incorrect responsecontrol means, each of said selection means including a correspondingnumber of answer-related means individually connected to actuate thecorresponding incorrect and correct response control means, saidincorrect response control means including means coupled to disable thecorresponding correct response control means and to latch the activatedincorrect response control means in a response state, and reset meansresponsive to actuation of said plurality of incorrect response controlmeans to reset the incorrect response control means.
 5. Theinstructional apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said control meansin corresponding response relay connected to define said interlockmeans, said answer-related means being switches, code means associatedwith the presentation means individually connecting the switches toenergize the corresponding incorrect and correct response relays, eachof said correct response relays including disable contacts in thecircuit of the correct response relays of the other response means andin the circuit of corresponding incorrect response relays, saidincorrect response relays including disable contacts in the circuit ofthe corresponding correct response relay, each of said relays havinglatching contacts in latching circuits to maintain the correspondingrelay energized, and said reset means selectively opening the latchingcircuits to said relays.
 6. The instructional apparatus of claim 4,wherein said presentation means includes a multiple frame film and filmprojection means for sequentially presenting in time-spaced relation aseries of film frames each of which includes a question and a pluralityof responsive answers only one of which is correct, said film carryingcoded means to indicate said correct answer, a code reader selectivelycoupled to said film to read the correct answer coded means for thequestion being presented and establish a related output signal, each ofsaid input selection means including a first group of individual answerselection switch means connected to said code reader with thecorresponding switch means of said plurality of selection means beingconnected in common to said code reader, each of said correct responsecontrol means including a correct answer switch means connected to thecorresponding selection switch means for selective energization inaccordance with the output signal of said code reader, said inputselection means including a second group of individual selection switchmeans coupled to said corresponding first group, each of said incorrectresponse control means including an incorrect answer switch meansconnected to the corresponding individual selection switch means of saidsecond group, each of said correct answer switch means having latchingmeans connected to hold itself in operation and first disable meansconnected to disable all other correct answer switch means and seconddisable means to disable the corresponding incorrect answer switchmeans, each of said incorrect answer switch means having latching meansconnected to hold itself in operation and disable means connected todisable the corresponding correct answer switch means, cycle meansresponsive to operation of a plurality of the incorrect answer switchmeans to reset said latching means and re-enable said correct answerswitch means and said disable means, and said reset means responsive toactuation of a correct answer switch means and to a second actuation ofthe plurality of incorrect answer switch means to actuate saidpresentation means.
 7. The instructional apparatus of claim 4, whereinsaid information includes visual display of the stimulus information anda plurality of proposed responses including correct and incorrectresponses, each of said response means including a correct responsecontrol switcH means and an incorrect response control switch means, amultiple incorrect response switch means, each of said selection meansincluding a corresponding number of proposed response-related switchmeans each having a first switch individually connected to actuate thecorresponding correct response control switch means and a second switchindividually connected to actuate said corresponding incorrect responsecontrol switch means and a third switch connected to actuate saidmultiple incorrect response switch means, said correct response controlswitch means including a first switch coupled to operatively disable thecorrect response control switch means of the other response means and asecond switch connected to operatively disable said correspondingincorrect response control switch means, said incorrect response controlswitch means including a third switch coupled to disable thecorresponding correct response control switch means and a fourth switchto latch the activated response control switch means in a responsestate, means connecting said multiple incorrect response switch means toreset said several control switch means, and reset switch means toselectively reset the several control switch means.
 8. The instructionalapparatus of claim 7 wherein said reset means includes a cycling switchmeans having a plurality of contact positions including first contactpositions energizing said presentation means, second contact positionsenergizing said response control means and said multiple input selectionmeans, a third contact position energizing said reset switch means, afourth contact position energizing said response control means inputselection means, and a timing means connected to operatively reset theapparatus to present a further bit of information and related responsesafter a predetermined period of the presentation of a given bit ofinformation, said cycling switch means energizing said timing means insaid second through said fourth contact positions.
 9. The instructionalapparatus of claim 4, wherein said presentation means includes a filmand film projection means for sequentially presenting a series ofquestions in time-spaced relation, said film simultaneously presenting aplurality of responsive answers including one of which is correct,correct coded means to indicate the correct answer, a code readerreading the coded means for the question being presented, said inputselection means including a first group of individual selection switchmeans connected to said code reader to establish a power supplyconnection means with the corresponding switch means in said pluralityof response means being connected in common to said code reader, each ofsaid correct response control means including a correct answer meansconnected to the corresponding selection switch means, said inputselection means including a second group of individual selection switchmeans coupled to said corresponding first group, each of said incorrectresponse control means including an incorrect answer means connected tothe corresponding individual selection switch means of said secondgroup, each of said correct answer means having latching means connectedto hold itself in operation and first disable means connected to disableall other correct answer switch means and second disable means todisable the corresponding incorrect answer switch means, each of saidincorrect answer means having latching means connected to hold itself inoperation and disable means connected to disable the correspondingcorrect answer switch means, and said reset means being responsive toselected actuation of said correct answer switch means or said incorrectanswer switch means to actuate said presentation means to present a newquestion.
 10. The instructional apparatus of claim 9, wherein said filmcarrying said coded means to indicate a correct response, a multiplechannel code reader having a channel for each given response andselectively coupled to said film to establish an output circuit for thEcorrect response coded means, said first group of individual selectionswitches connected in series with each other and having an actuatedposition connected to said code reader with the corresponding switchesin said plurality of response means being connected to the relatedoutput channels of said code reader, each of said response meansincluding a correct answer relay connected to the corresponding seriesconnected selection switches, said each of said response means includingan incorrect answer relay connected to the corresponding individualselection switch means of said second group, each of said correct answerrelays having latching contacts connected to hold the correspondingrelay in operation and first disable contacts connected to open thecircuit to all other correct answer relays and second disable contactsto disable the corresponding incorrect answer relay, each of saidincorrect answer relays having latching contacts connected to hold thecorresponding relay in operation and disable contacts connected to openthe circuit to the corresponding correct answer relay, cycling switchmeans to sequentially energize the presentation means and the codereader, second try relay means actuated by a plurality of said incorrectanswer relays and said cycle means to reset said incorrect answer relaysand said correct answer relays, and said reset means being responsive toactuation of correct answer relay and to a second actuation of saidsecond try relay means to actuate said presentation means.
 11. Theinstructional apparatus of claim 10, having presentation drive means,said cycling switch means having a plurality of first lines and aplurality of second lines, a stepping switch means coupled to said firstlines for sequentially and cyclically supplying power to said firstlines, means connecting selected said second lines to said presentationdrive means, said code reader and said relays, said stepping switchmeans being sequentially connected to selected first lines, andunidirectional conductor means selectively connecting the first lines tosaid second lines to establish a predetermined transfer of power fromsaid first lines to said second lines during the presentation of eachstimulus information and related response information.
 12. Theinstructional apparatus of claim 10, wherein said presentation meansincludes a triggered self cycling drive means for said film projectionmeans coded means to indicate a correct response and to establish anoutput circuit for the correct response coded means, said first group ofindividual selection switches connected in series with each other andhaving an actuated position connected to said code reader with thecorresponding switches in said plurality of response means beingcorrespondingly connected to said code reader, each of said responsemeans including a correct answer relay and a transistor switch connectedto the corresponding series connected selection switches to energizesaid relay, each of said response means including an incorrect answerrelay connected in series to the corresponding individual selectionswitch means of said second group, each of said correct answer relayshaving latching contacts connected to hold the corresponding relay inoperation and first disable contacts connected to open the circuit toall other correct answer relays and second disable contacts to disablethe corresponding incorrect answer relay, each of said incorrect answerrelays having latching contacts connected to hold the correspondingrelay in operation and disable contacts connected to open the circuit tohave corresponding correct answer relay, a scoring means having acyclical drive means establishing a selected score for each cycle,cycling switch means to sequentially energize first the drive means ofsaid presentation means and then film projection means and the codereader with the response means and the input selection means, second tryrelay means actuated by a plurality of aid incorrect answer relays andsaid cyCle means to reset said incorrect answer relays and said correctanswer relays, and said reset means being responsive to actuation ofcorrect answer relay and to a second actuation of said second try relaymeans to actuate said presentation means.
 13. The instructionalapparatus of claim 9, wherein said film carrying coded means to indicatea correct response, a multiple channel code reader having a channel foreach given response and selectively coupled to said film to establish anoutput circuit for the correct response coded means, said first group ofindividual selection switches connected in series with each other andhaving an actuated position connected to said code reader with thecorresponding switches in said plurality of response means beingconnected to the related output channels of said code reader, each ofsaid response means including a correct answer relay connected to thecorresponding series connected selection switches, each of said responsemeans including an incorrect answer relay connected to thecorresspoinding individual selection switch means of said second group,each of said correct answer relays having latching contacts connected tohold the corresponding relay in operation and first disable contactsconnected to open the circuit to all other correct answer relays andsecond disable contacts to disable the corresponding incorrect answerrelay, each of said incorrect answer relays having latching contactsconnected to hold the corresponding relay in operation and disablecontacts connected to open the circuit to the corresponding correctanswer relay, and cycle switching means to sequentially energize thepresentation means and the code reader.
 14. The instructional apparatusof claim 13, wherein said cycle switching means includes a firstswitching matrix including a plurality of first lines and a plurality ofsecond lines interconnected by diodes and a second switching matrixincluding a plurality of third lines and a plurality of fourth linesinterconnected by diodes, a first power contact member mounted tosequentially and cyclically scan said first lines to supply powerthereto, a second power contact member mounted to sequentially andcyclically scan said third lines from a home third line to a reset thirdline, a step drive means coupled to said contact members and connectedto said second contact member, a cycle start means having contactsconnected to a fourth line connected to the home position third line,said second lines being connected to said cycle relay and to selectedfirst lines to establish a start means maintaining circuit, one of saidpair of said second lines including stop presentation contacts and beingconnected to a final reset first line to reset the apparatus to standby,a projection advance relay, a second position of said second matrixconnected to supply power to said projection advance relay, the secondand third positions of said first matrix connected to supply power tosaid switch drive means through projecting advance relay contacts insaid fourth lines, a projection relay connected to a second lineconnected to first lines in all switch positions following said thirdposition, said projection relay having contacts connected in circuitwith said code reader and said input selection switches and saidresponse means, a correct response means, each of said correct answerrelays having contacts in a corresponding second line and operable toactuate the correct response means with said first matrix in a selectedposition following the third position, each of said correct answerrelays having contacts connected in parallel with the correspondingcontacts of the other correct answer relay in a fourth line connected tothird lines in the position of the second matrix corresponding to theselected position of said first matrix, a both player wrong means saidincorrect answer relays having contacts connected in series with eachother with the both player wrong means in a second line of said firstmatrix connected to first lines in all positions following said selectedposition said both player wrong means having contacts connected in afourth line of said second matrix to reset said cycle switching means tothe home position in response to energization of the both player wrongmeans.
 15. The instructural apparatus of claim 14 having a plurality ofcorrect response means connected in common to one of said second linesconnected to a first line following the selected position of the matrixand connected to said code reader for individual energization toindicate the correct response.
 16. The instructural apparatus of claim14 having a manually operable switch connected in a fourth lineconnected to a third line in the next to the last position of the secondmatrix to selectively energize the switching means and reset theswitching means to the home position.
 17. The instructional apparatus ofclaim 16 having a scoring means having a home position and cyclicallyoperable to score a unit score in response to energization of thescoring means, said cycle start means being a cycle relay connected incircuit through said scoring means and having said contacts connected toa fourth line connected to the home position third line, a timing relayconnected in parallel with said projection relay and having contactsconnected in one of said fourth lines to establish an automatic cyclingof the switching means to the home position after a selected timeinterval, a correct answer bell, each of said correct answer relayshaving contacts connected in parallel with the corresponding contacts ofthe other correct answer relay in a second line connected to first linesin the fifth and seventh positions of the first matrix, said secondmatrix supplying power directly to said switch means in said fifth andseventh positions said both player wrong means being a relay.
 18. Aninstructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a plurality ofdifferent persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, said presentation means includes a multiple framefilm and film projection means for sequentially presenting the filmframes and, said frames each having a question and a plurality ofresponsive answers only one of which is correct, said film carrying amultiple channel coded means with a channel for each answer to indicatesaid correct answer, a code reader including a plurality of channelscoupled to said film channels to read the correct answer coded means andestablish a circuit path in the correct answer channel for the questionbeing presented, said input selection means including a first group ofindividual selection switch means, each selection switch means hqving apair of contact means with a common pole, one of each pair of contactmeans being connected to a corresponding code reader channel with thecorresponding switch means in said plurality of selection switch meansbeing connected in common to said code reader channel and a second ofwhich is connected in series with the other second contacts each of saidresponse means including a correct answer means connected in series withsaid second contacts of the corresponding selection switch means, eachof said input selection means including a second group of individualselection switch means coupled to said corresponding first grouP, eachof said response means including an incorrect response means connectedto the corresponding individual selection switch means of said secondgroup, each of said correct answer means having latching means connectedto hold itself in operation and first disable means connected to disableall other correct answer switch means and each of said incorrect answermeans having latching means connected to hold itself in operation anddisable means connected to disable the corresponding correct answerswitch means.
 19. An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operationby a plurality of different persons, comprising presentation means forsequentially presenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups ofresponse means, a plurality of separate multiple input selection meansfor actuating a corresponding response means, each of said multipleinput selection means being particularly related to said informationwhereby selected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selectionmeans of each group is proper and creates a first response and actuationof other of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, said presentation means being operable tosequentially present a series of time-spaced bits of stimulusinformation and a plurality of response means includes a scoring meansresponsive to proper actuation of said input selection means, saidscoring means including a cyclical score reset means, and meansconnecting said scoring means to said presentation means and saidresponse means to reset the scoring means to a reference position at thestart of each series of presentations.
 20. The instructional apparatusof claim 19 having a presentation drive means and a visual displaymeans, a starting control means, a game control means, said scoringmeans including a single cycle control switch means including a homeposition said start control means and cycle control switch beingconnected to conjointly control said game control means, a cyclingswitch means having a plurality of contact positions, said game controlmeans being connected to a first contact position to actuate the switchmeans to the second position means in said second contact positionenergizing said presentation drive means, means in the third contactposition automatical drive said cycling switch means, means in thefourth contact position supplying a power connection to said responsemeans and said multiple input selection means, a fifth contact positionincluding said response means for selectively energizing said scoremeans, a correct response indicator, a sixth contact position includingsaid indicator and responsive operation of a selected input selectionmeans, and a seventh contact position connected to indicate the correctresponse and to reset the game control means, and a timing meansconnected in circuit through said cycling switch means to operativelyreset the apparatus to present a further bit of information and relatedresponses after a predetermined period of the presentation of a givenbit of information.
 21. An instructional apparatus for simultaneousoperation by a plurality of different persons, comprising presentationmeans for sequentially presenting stimulus information, a plurality ofgroups of response means, a plurality of separate multiple inputselection means for actuating a corresponding response means, each ofsaid multiple input selection means being particularly related to saidinformation whereby selected actuation of a predetermined one of theinput selection means of each group is proper and creates a firstresponse and actuation of other of the same input selection means ofeach group is improper and creates a second response, interlock meansresponsive to actuation of any one separate input selection meanssElectively controlling the response means to determine the subsequentestablishment of said first and second responses, said presentationmeans including a plurality of proposed responses for the stimulusinformation including a correct response and a plurality of incorrectresponses, each of said response means including a correct responsecontrol means and an incorrect response control means, each of saidselection means including a corresponding number of givenresponse-related switch means individually connected to actuate thecorresponding incorrect and correct response control means, saidincorrect response control means including first switch means connectedto disable the corresponding correct response control means and secondswitch means to latch the activated incorrect response control means ina response state, separate operational indicating means for eachselection means to indicate that a selection may be made, said incorrectresponse means including a third switch means connected to disable saidindicating means, and a wrong answer selected means connected to theresponse related switch means and actuated thereby..
 22. Aninstructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a plurality ofdifferent persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of groups of responsemeans, a plurality of separate multiple input selection means foractuating a corresponding response means, each of said multiple inputselection means being particularly related to said information wherebyselected actuation of a predetermined one of the input selection meansof each group is proper and creates a first response and actuation ofother of the same input selection means of each group is improper andcreates a second response, interlock means responsive to actuation ofany one separate input selection means selectively controlling theresponse means to determine the subsequent establishment of said firstand second responses, said presentation means being a multiple framefilm means having a self-cycling stepping means for sequentiallypresenting each film frame, each of said frames carrying a bit ofstimulus information, a plurality of responses and a code area for eachresponse with one code area different than all others to encode thecorrect response, said plurality of response means each includingseparate bank of switches including a different selection switch meansfor each of said responses, a code reader mounted adjacent thepresentation means to read the code areas of each frame as theinformation and responses are presented, each selection switch meansincluding a single-pole double-throw switch having an output poleconnected to actuate the response means and a first contact connected tothe code reader and the second contact connected to the pole of anotherswitch in the same bank, and each selection switch means furtherincluding an improper response switch having a pole ganged with theoutput pole and connected to actuate the improper response means ifproper output pole is actuated.
 23. An instructional apparatus forsimultaneous operation by a plurality of different persons, comprisingpresentation means for sequentially presenting stimulus information, aplurality of groups of response means, a plurality of separate multipleinput selection means for actuating a corresponding response means, eachof said multiple input selection means being particularly related tosaid information whereby selected actuation of a predetermined one ofthe input selection means of each group is proper and creates a firstresponse and actuation of other of the same input selection means ofeach group is improper and creates a second response, interlock meansresponsive to actuation of any one separate input selection meansselectively controlling the response means to determine the subsequentestablishment of said first and second responses, cycle switch meansincluding a plurality of different circuit establishing positions andmeanS to sequentially establish said positions, said switchingcyclically energizing said presentation means, said response means andsaid input selection means to sequentially present a series of differentinformation in time spaced relation, and means responsive topresentation of final information in the series to operativelydisconnect said switching means.
 24. The instructional apparatus ofclaim 23, wherein said presentation means is operable to sequentiallypresent a series of time-spaced bits of stimulus information and aplurality of related responses for each bit of stimulus information,each of said plurality of response means includes a scoring meansresponsive to proper actuation of said input selection means, saidscoring means including a cyclical score drive means, establishing aselected score during each cycle means connecting said scoring means tosaid presentation means and said response means to reset the scoringmeans to a reference position at the start of each series ofpresentations, and means in said cycle switch means including aplurality of positions to actuate said drive means and thereby establisha score related to a point in each sequence that a correct responsemeans is actuated.
 25. The instructional apparatus of claim 23, whereinvisual display means presents said information as a stimulus informationand a plurality of proposed responses including correct and incorrectresponses, each of said response means including a correct responsecontrol switch means and an incorrect response control switch means, amultiple incorrect response control switch means, each of said selectionmeans including a corresponding number of proposed response-relatedswitch means each having a first switch individually connected toactuate the corresponding correct response control switch means and asecond switch individually connected to actuate the correspondingincorrect response control switch means and a multiple third switchconnected to actuate said incorrect response switch means, said cycleswitch means having a series of positions supplying power to saidresponse means and said switch means subsequent to actuation of saidpresentation means, said correct response control switch means includinga first switch coupled to operatively disable the correct responsecontrol switch means of the other response means and to a second switchconnected to operatively disable said corresponding incorrect responsecontrol switch means, said incorrect response control switch meansincluding a third switch coupled to disable the corresponding correctresponse control switch means and a fourth switch to latch the activatedincorrect response control switch means in a response state, meansconnecting said multiple incorrect response switch means to selectivelyreset all of said incorrect response control switch means, and resetswitch means to selectively reset the several control switch means. 26.An instructional apparatus for simultaneous operation by a plurality ofdifferent persons, comprising presentation means for sequentiallypresenting stimulus information, a plurality of separate multiple inputselection means for actuating a corresponding response means, each ofsaid multiple input selection means being particularly related to saidinformation whereby selected actuation of a predetermined one of theinput selection means of each group is proper and creates a firstresponse and actuation of other of the same input selection means ofeach group is improper and creates a second response, interlock meansresponsive to actuation of any one separate input selection meansselectively controlling the response means to determine the subsequentestablishment of said first and second responses including a controlmeans establishing the apparatus to present a series of bits ofdifferent information, a cycling switch means having a plurality ofcontact positions including means to scan said contact positions saidresponse control means and said multiple input selectiOn means, each bitof information for the presentation of and sequentially energize thepresentation means, circuit means connected to each of said contactpositions to energize said control means and including a stop means in aselected contact position, and a coded means connected to operativelyactuate the stop means to deenergize said control means and prevent thepresentation of information.
 27. An instructional apparatus forsimultaneous operation by a plurality of different persons, comprisingpresentation means for sequentially presenting stimulus information, aplurality of groups of response means, a plurality of separate multipleinput selection means for actuating a corresponding response means, eachof said multiple input selection means being particularly related tosaid information whereby selected actuation of a predetermined one ofthe input selection means of each group is proper and creates a firstresponse and actuation of other of the same input selection means ofeach group is improper and creates a second response, interlock meansresponsive to actuation of any one separate input selection meansselectively controlling the response means to determine the subsequentestablishment of said first and second responses, a control matrixincluding first lines and said second lines interconnected at selectedpoints by unidirectional conducting means, a cycle switch having a cycleswitch drive means and having a first switch element sequentially andcyclically supplying power to selected first lines element andsequentially and cyclically connecting first lines to the cycle switchdrive means and having a second switch element, said second lines beingconnected to a power supply for operating said cycle switch drive meansand to said presentation means and to said response means forselectively energizing said presentation means and said response meansduring each position of said switch elements.
 28. The instructionalapparatus of claim 31 having drive means for said presentation meansproviding a stepping movement in response to an input control signal,said unidirectional conducting means being diodes, said cycle switchbeing a stepping switch having a drive coil connected in series drivecircuit with a set of normally closed contacts actuated by said drivecoil said second lines being connected to energize said presentationmeans including said drive means, said response means and said selectioninput means, said first switch element being a first switch bankincluding a plurality of contacts connected to said first lines and afirst movable power contact sequentially and cyclically engaging saidcontacts, said power contact being connected to a power supply means,said second switch element being a second switch bank including aplurality of second contacts and a second movable contact sequentiallyand cyclically engaging said second contacts, said second movablecontact being connected to said series drive circuit, and a secondswitching matrix including a plurality of third lines connected to saidsecond contacts and fourth lines connected to a power supply switchmeans in said fourth lines connected to a power supply, switch means insaid fourth lines to selectively energize said coil and establishmovement of said first and second movable contacts in accordance withthe operation of said response means.
 29. The instructional apparatus ofclaim 27 wherein said presentation means includes a drive means forsequential presentation of stimulus information and related responseinformation, each of said plurality of response means including acorrect response means coupled to the input selection means andresponsive to a given selection and an incorrect response means coupledto the input selection means and responsive to selection other than saidgiven selection, power switching control means actuated by said responsemeans, means connecting said second lines to said presentation means,said input selection means, said response means and saiD switchingcontrol means to control the energization of said several means and saidunidirectional conducting means connecting selected first lines toselected second lines to establish a predetermined transfer of powerfrom said first lines to said second lines during the presentation ofeach stimulus information and related response information to establisha cycle control for each stimulus information.
 30. An instructionalapparatus for sequentially presenting stimulus information and responseinformation comprising information carrier presentation means having adrive means for sequential presentation of stimulus information andrelated response information, input selection means for selecting theresponse information, a correct response means coupled to the inputselection means and responsive to a given selection, an incorrectresponse means coupled to the input selection means and responsive toselection other than said given selection, a cycle switching means, aplurality of first lines, a plurality of second lines, said cycleswitching means having contact means connected to first selected ones ofsaid first lines for sequentially and cyclically supplying power to saidfirst lines, means connecting said second lines to said presentationmeans, said input means, said response means and said switching means tocontrol the energization of said several means, and unidirectionalconducting means to selectively couple the first lines to said secondlines to establish a predetermined transfer of power from said firstlines to said second lines during the presentation of each stimulusinformation and related response information.
 31. The instructionalapparatus of claim 30, wherein said cycle switching means includes saidfirst lines and said scond lines defining a first matrix with saidunidirectional conducting means being diodes, said switching means beinga stepping switch having a first switch bank defining said contact meanscoupled to said first lines for sequentially and cyclically supplyingpower to said first lines and having a second switch bank, a secondgroup of first and second lines define a second matrix, a drive for saidcycle switching means, said second switch bank connecting said drive tosaid first lines of said second matrix, said second lines of said secondmatrix connected to a power supply and including drive control switchmeans controlled by said first matrix.
 32. The instructional apparatusof claim 30, wherein said drive means for said information carrierpresentation means provides a stepped movement in response to an inputcontrol signal, said plurality of first lines and plurality of secondlines defines a switching matrix with the lines connected by diodes,said switching means is a stepping switch having a drive coil connectedin series drive circuit with a set of normally closed contacts actuatedby said drive coil, said switching means having a first switch bankincluding a plurality of contacts connected to said first lines and afirst movable contact sequentially and cyclically engaging saidcontacts, said stepping switch having a second switch bank including aplurality of second contacts and a second movable contact sequentiallyand cyclically engaging said second contacts, said second movablecontact being connected to said series drive circuit, and a secondswitching matrix including a plurality of third lines connected to saidsecond contacts and fourth lines connected to a power supply, switchmeans in said fourth lines to selectively energize said coil andestablish movement of said first and second movable contacts inaccordance with the operation of said response means.